Here is a short article I wrote for the news.it portal regarding martyrdom of the two Saints who most marked the history of Christianity, Peter and Paolo.
About them, actually, biographical information they are still few, but archeology is slowly trying to bring them out.
Happy reading.
Crucifixion of St. Peter (painting)
There is not a lot of information regarding the martyrdom of Peter and Paul, event of extraordinary importance in the history of Christianity.
Unfortunately, the sources are scarce and often controversial.
They were certainly both killed during the reign of Nero, one of the worst as regards the followers of the new Faith.
The exact date and manner of martyrdom however, remain dubious.
Both of them had come to Rome to preach the principles of the gospel and this led to their condemnation.Peter and Paul:what the sources say
The Christian apologist Tertullian (155-222 AD) only recalls that Peter was crucified, later writers add that Paul was beheaded and Peter crucified upside down for his own desire.Many sources point to 67 AD . as the exact year of both executions, others anticipate that of Peter at 64 AD
Uncertainty also about the exact day of the event, indicated as 29 June in the Western tradition, December 28 in the eastern one.
Instead, the place of their depositions seems to be certain, namely the Vatican for Peter (not far from the exact point of his crucifixion) and the Via Ostiense for Paul.
The testimony of Eusebio, is fundamental in this regard which clearly writes: “If you want to go to the Vatican or on the road to Ostia, you will meet the trophies of those who founded this Church”.
As is known, the basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul were later erected on the burial places of the two Christian martyrs ( Article taken from:Notizie.it).