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Document Details : Title: The 60 Martyrs of Gaza and the Martyrdom of Bishop Sophronius of Jerusalem Author(s): WOODS, David Journal: ARAM Periodical Volume: 15 Date: 2003 Pages: 129-150 DOI: 10.2143/ARAM.15.0.504530 Abstract : The 60 martyrs of Gaza were soldiers who were executed for their refusal to convert to Islam after the conquest of Gaza during the Muslim invasion of Palestine. They were executed in two groups: first 10 in Jerusalem, then 50 at Eleutheropolis. Their passion has only survived in Latin, in two different recensions. Contrary to the common opinion, the author concludes, on the basis of several arguments, that the later version preserves the better account. He is able to connect the passion of the 60 soldiers with the martyrdom of bishop Sophronius of Jerusalem and to situate both events against the historical background of the Muslim conquest of Palestine. |
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