The Mysterious Death of Simon the Apostle

Among the apostles of Jesus Christ, Simon the Apostle, also known as Simon Peter, Simon the Zealot, and Simon the Cananean, has left behind a rich tapestry of legends and accounts, each more intriguing than the last. This article delves into the various claims surrounding his death and the circumstances that might have led to it.

Simon Peter: Crucified Inverted

One of the most well-known accounts of Simon Peter's death is that he was crucified in an inverted position. This detail originates from various sources and has been a part of Christian tradition for centuries. The inverted crucifixion might be symbolic, representing the humility and sacrifice that Peter is believed to have exhibited.

Some traditions suggest that his crucifixion was a deliberate act by the Roman rulers to suppress uprisings and to deterring other Christians from taking similar actions. The inverted crucifixion could also be a mark of respect, given Peter's status as one of the most prominent and influential disciples of Jesus.

Simon the Zealot: Diverse Accounts

Simon the Zealot, another apostle, has a more varied and disputed set of accounts about his death. According to some early Christian traditions, he was martyred in a manner that remains unspecified. Another tradition claims he was sawn in half, which is more detail-specific and less common for this apostle alone.

There is also a less orthodox version that suggests he was used as a martyr during the persecution of Christians after the fire of Nero in the Circus of Caligula. This persecution was a widespread event that claimed many lives, including that of some apostles and disciples.

Other Claims and Legends

For instance, Ethiopian Christians maintain that Simon the Apostle was crucified in Samaria. Conversely, the Franciscan scholar, Justus Lipsius, in the 16th-17th century, proposed that Simon was sawn in half in Suanir, Iran. This is a stark contrast to the more commonly believed accounts of his crucifixion.

Another account by the Armenian historian Movses Khorenatsi from the 3rd century states that Simon was martyred in Weriosphora, a region in the Caucasus.

Somewhat curiously, some traditions claim that Simon the Apostle lived long enough to pass away peacefully in Edessa, a city in modern-day Turkey known for its significant role in early Christian history.

The most intriguing and less documented claim is that of a peculiar tradition that suggests Simon the Apostle came to Roman Britain during Boadicea's rebellion. On his second missionary journey, he met his end in Caistor, Lincolnshire, at the hands of a Roman named Catus Decianus. This account paints a vivid picture of a complex and sometimes tumultuous journey for the apostle.

Archaeological and Literary Evidence

While the experiences and deaths of these apostles are often steeped in legend and tradition, there is also archaeological and literary evidence to support the stories passed down through oral tradition. In the case of Simon Peter, we have a critical collection of the most ancient sources discussing his fate, which might hold valuable insights into the events that took place.

Finally, it's worth mentioning the Protestant view that Simon the Apostle was crucified on an inverted cross. This interpretation might have been fostered by a desire to assert the legitimate and authentic authority of the early Christian Church, with Peter as the central figure.

The claim in The Da Vinci Code that Peter's tomb is under the Vatican, based on the words of Jesus that he would build the church on a rock (a nickname for Peter), adds an intriguing layer of historical depth and literary discussion to these accounts.

Despite the range and diversity of accounts, the story of Simon the Apostle remains a fascinating reminder of the complex and often tragic history of early Christianity and its spread across the ancient world.