Between Execution and Torture; Ropes in Egyptian Christian Art

نوع المستند : المقالة الأصلية

المؤلف

Lecturer,Tourist guidance Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Alexandria University

المستخلص

In the early centuries of the Roman Empire, the spread of Christianity started in secret, as it faced strong opposition and intense persecution, particularly during the reign of Emperor Nero. The early Christians faced numerous challenges in spreading their faith. Many were martyred under the orders of Roman emperors. Eusebius of Caesarea described all kinds of torture and martyrdom at Egypt. In Christian art, ropes are represented in hanging, execution and torture scenes. Coptic art shows saints exposed to different kinds of torture and martyrdom. Some saints were depicted as preys to wild animals while their hands are often shown tied behind their backs. Other saints are depicted with ropes tied around their waists which were knotted from their backs and draped downwards. Coptic scenes reveal two positions of execution; kneeing on the ground or standing while their hands were tied behind their backs. Some manuscripts show Jesus Christ during his court with his hands tied behind his back, also they show hanging ‘gallows’ scenes. The present paper aims to trace the iconography of ropes in the context of Coptic torture and execution scenes. It throws the light on the concept of using ropes according to its various contexts.  

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