- c. 5 AD β 30 AD: Bartholomew, often identified with Nathanael in the Gospel of John (John 1:45β51), was born in Cana of Galilee. Philip introduced him to Jesus, who praised his sincerity, saying, βHere is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.β Bartholomew became one of the twelve apostles, witnessing Jesusβ ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection.
- 30β69 AD: After Pentecost, Bartholomew embarked on missionary work. Early traditions, including the Acts of Bartholomew (a 5th-century apocryphal text) and accounts from Church historian Eusebius, suggest he preached in regions such as India, Mesopotamia, and Armenia. His most famous mission was in Armenia, where he converted many, including members of the royal family. Around 69 AD, in Albanopolis (modern-day Baku, Azerbaijan, or Derbent, Russia), he met a gruesome fate. Tradition holds that he was flayed alive and then beheaded or crucified by order of King Astyages, angered by the conversion of his brother Polymius.
Burial and Tomb Development
- c. 69 AD: Following his martyrdom, Bartholomewβs followers buried him in Armenia, likely in a simple tomb near Albanopolis. His grave quickly became a site of veneration for the local Christian community.
- 3rdβ4th Centuries: As Christianity spread, Bartholomewβs relics were safeguarded. Armenian tradition claims they remained there for centuries, though details are sparse due to the regionβs turbulent history.
- c. 6th Century: According to legend, his relics were miraculously transported from Armenia to avoid desecration during invasions (possibly Persian or Arab). One story says they were placed in a lead coffin and cast into the sea, washing ashore on the island of Lipari, near Sicily. The Lipari Christians built a church to house them.
- 809 AD: With Saracen raids threatening Lipari, the relics were moved to Benevento, Italy, under Bishop Paulinus, where they were enshrined in a cathedral dedicated to Bartholomew.
- 983 AD: Holy Roman Emperor Otto II, seeking to bolster Romeβs Christian heritage, transferred Bartholomewβs relics to the Eternal City. They were placed on Tiber Island in a church originally built as a temple to Aesculapius, the pagan god of healing, which was rededicated to Bartholomew. This became the Basilica of San Bartolomeo allβIsola.
- 11th Century β Present: The basilica was rebuilt after flooding in 1088, with Bartholomewβs relics housed in a red marble sarcophagus beneath the main altar, where they remain today. The church has undergone further renovations, notably in the 17th century under Berniniβs influence, but the tombβs location has stayed constant.
Timeline
- c. 5 AD: Bartholomew is born in Cana, Galilee.
- c. 30 AD: Called by Jesus through Philip; serves as an apostle until the crucifixion.
- 30β69 AD: Preaches in India, Mesopotamia, and Armenia.
- c. 69 AD: Martyred in Albanopolis, Armenia, by flaying and beheading or crucifixion; buried locally.
- 3rdβ4th Centuries: Relics venerated in Armenia amidst regional upheavals.
- c. 6th Century: Relics moved to Lipari, Italy, possibly by sea, and enshrined in a church.
- 809 AD: Transferred to Benevento, Italy, for safekeeping during Saracen raids.
- 983 AD: Relocated to Romeβs Tiber Island, placed in the Basilica of San Bartolomeo allβIsola.
- 1088 AD: Basilica rebuilt after flood damage; relics secured in a sarcophagus.
- 17th Century: Church renovated, maintaining the tombβs prominence.
Current Status
The Basilica of San Bartolomeo allβIsola stands as Bartholomewβs resting place, with his relics preserved in a striking red marble sarcophagus beneath the altar. The church, located on Romeβs Tiber Island, is a serene yet poignant site, blending its pagan origins with Christian significance. Tradition attributes healing miracles to Bartholomewβs presence, echoing the islandβs ancient association with medicine.
While the journey of his relicsβfrom Armenia to Lipari, Benevento, and finally Romeβrelies heavily on medieval accounts rather than contemporary records, the consistency of devotion across centuries supports the basilicaβs claim. Small portions of his relics have been distributed elsewhere (e.g., to Canterbury, England), but the primary tomb remains in Rome. Today, the basilica serves as a quiet pilgrimage site, honoring Bartholomewβs martyrdom and missionary zeal.
The lack of archaeological evidence from Armenia leaves some uncertainty about his original burial, but the Tiber Island tomb is widely accepted by the Catholic Church and pilgrims. Its location in Rome, alongside Peter and other apostles, underscores the cityβs role as a repository of apostolic heritage.
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