Dehumanization of Martyrs

This page will focus on the dehumanization of martyrs in this case that of Perpetua and Felicitas. Once you were destined to martyrdom you were no longer a part of society and it was not only accepted  but necessary amongst the people of the time to get rid of the people who they considered to be a threat to the status quo. People were in fear that the faith of those being martyred could be their own and it was that fear that allowed the killings to continue. The death wasn't quick, but slow and painful with an audience to watch. You'd be lucky to only have to battle it out with a gladiator as you could also be fed to the beast for lunch. I beleive that depending on the crime against humanity that the martyr has committed will determine the severity of the punishment they have deserved. Crimes against religion like that of Perpetua and Felicitas were severely punished. After the martyrs have suffered in solidarity they were escorted to the arena that would be home to their death. The gates would rise and they'd be left, helpless, awaiting their death. In the image we can see brutality that is used towards Martyrs. The mad cow is lying with the naked Martyr and they were killed as equals which speaks volumes about the regard that people held Martyr's. Even the arenas where Martyr's were executed are architectually entrapping of those in it to not allow them to escape. The image of the arena shows the faith of everyone sent to it, death. It is set up with less mobility than a mouse maze with seats at the top for people to cheer and laugh at the Martyr. It is indicative of another way that Martyrs were dehumanized, as if being sentenced to death was a light punishment.