The English Heritage Podcast Episode 55 - Saint, soldier, slayer: who was the real St. George?
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Apr 16, 2020 Dr. Michael Carter, Senior Properties Historian for English Heritage and expert on St. George, takes us on a captivating journey through the life of the legendary figure. He explores St. George's historical context amid Roman persecution and demystifies his transformation from martyr to dragon-slayer. Listeners learn about the cultural symbolism of St. George, his evolution as the ideal knight, and the significance of his flag. Moreover, he highlights how St. George became a powerful emblem of English identity across the ages.
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St. George's Origins
- Little is known about St. George, but he likely died around 303 AD during Diocletian's Christian persecution.
- The earliest evidence, a mid-4th-century inscription from Syria, mentions his martyrdom.
Diocletian's Persecution
- Diocletian's persecution targeted Christians throughout the vast Roman Empire, from Hadrian's Wall to the Middle East.
- Many important figures in medieval Christianity died during this period.
St. George's evolving legend
- By the 5th century, St. George gained military associations and was linked to an emperor called Dadianus (likely Diocletian).
- Legends described him being tortured and resurrected three times, inspiring conversions, including Empress Alexandra's.