The Legend of Nereus and Achilleus. Martyrs

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To enter the catacombs of Domitilla in Rome, one enters the foyer of the Ancient Basilica of Nereus and Achilleus. Here, there is an inscription from Pope Damasus (366–384) about Nereus and Achilleus. Their legend is attested to in many ancient texts, including this inscription above. But there is little agreement as to the historical character of these legends. Basically, the two soldiers who served in the early fourth century were said to have converted to Christianity, given up their military careers, and then faced martyrdom. From those basic details, many more legends developed in varied ways sot that they are not able to be reconciled.

As one can see in the image above, only the lower left- and right-hand corners are original. The text has been reconstructed based on medieval manuscripts. The reconstruction (with spaces added between Latin words) and translation are as follows:

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NEREUS ET ACHILLEVS MARTYRES

MILITIAE NOMEN DEDERANT SAEVUMQ[UE] GEREBANT

OFFICIUM PARITER SPECTANTES IUSSA TYRANNI

PRAECEPTIS PULSANTE METU SERVIRE PARATI

MIRA FIDES RERUM SUBITO POSUERE FUROREM

CONVERSI FUGIUNT DUCIS IMPIA CASTRA RELINQUUNT

PROICIUNT CLIPEOS FALERAS TELAQ[UE] CRUENTA

CONFESSI GAUDENT CHRISTI PORTARE TRIUMFOS

CREDITE PER DAMASUM POSSIT QUID GLORIA CHRISTI

Nereus and Achilleus Martyrs

They were given the name “soldier” and they waged a savage office

Looking equally at the orders of a tyrant

With fear beating beforehand they were prepared to serve.

Faith the wonder of things: Suddenly they had put down their rage

Converted they flee, relinquishing the wicked camp of their leader,

Casting down their shields, tools, and bloody spears

Having confessed they are rejoicing, they carry the triumphs of Christ.

Believe through Damasus, in the power of glory of Christ.

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This text and my translation is also available in: The Rome of Peter and Paul.

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