The holy men and women are also called the Protomartyrs of Rome. They were accused of burning Rome by Nero , who burned Rome to cover his own crimes. Some martyrs were burned as living torches at evening banquets, some crucified, others were fed to wild animals. These martyrs died before Sts. Peter and Paul, and are called disciples of the Apostles. . . whom the Holy Roman church sent to their Lord before the Apostles death.
The First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church
optional memorial
June 30th
Jan van Eyck
The Ghent Altarpiece (wings open)
1432
Oil on wood, 350 x 461 cm
Cathedral of St Bavo, Ghent
Red clothes in painting represents martyrs