The Most Famous Martyr, Ranked

Choose the martyr you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 24, 2024 08:21
Throughout history, countless individuals have made the ultimate sacrifice for their beliefs, becoming martyrs in the process. These figures often ignite passionate debates and are a source of inspiration for many. By ranking these influential martyrs, we not only commemorate their sacrifices but also provide a lens through which we can analyze the varied impacts of their legacies on contemporary society. The act of voting for the most renowned martyr allows users to engage actively with history, fostering a deeper understanding of the ideals these individuals stood for. This dynamic list, shaped by your votes, serves not just as a historical account, but as an ongoing conversation about the values we champion today. Encouraging participation ensures that the list remains relevant and reflective of collective perspectives across cultures and generations.

Who Is the Most Famous Martyr?

  1. 1
    67
    votes
    He is considered the most famous martyr in history, as his death and resurrection are the central events of Christianity.
    Jesus Christ in other rankings
  2. 2
    40
    votes
    Saint Stephen
    Carlo Crivelli · Public domain
    He was the first Christian martyr and is celebrated for his steadfast faith in the face of death.
  3. 3
    25
    votes
    She was a French heroine who was burned at the stake for heresy, but is now celebrated as a symbol of courage and independence.
    Saint Joan of Arc, also known as the Maid of Orléans, is one of the most popular female saints in Christian history. She was a French heroine who played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War. Joan claimed to have received divine guidance, which she believed instructed her to support Charles VII as the rightful king of France and help him reclaim his throne from the English. Despite facing numerous challenges and skepticism from within her own ranks, Joan led French forces to several crucial victories before her capture and subsequent trial for heresy. She was ultimately found guilty and burned at the stake, but later exonerated and declared a martyr and a saint by the Catholic Church. Joan of Arc is often praised for her brave and unwavering faith, as well as her determination and military leadership skills.
    • Birth Year: 1412
    • Death Year: 1431
    • Feast Day: May 30
    • Canonization Date: May 16, 1920
    • Patronage: France, soldiers, prisoners, martyrs, and more
    Saint Joan of Arc in other rankings
  4. 4
    17
    votes
    He was a disciple of Jesus and the first pope of the Catholic Church, who was crucified upside down for his faith.
    Saint Peter in other rankings
  5. 5
    18
    votes
    Saint Paul
    John Polo · CC BY-SA 3.0
    He was a prolific writer and missionary who was beheaded in Rome for preaching the Gospel.
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    He was the Archbishop of Canterbury who was murdered in his own cathedral for opposing King Henry II.
  7. 7
    16
    votes
    Saint Lawrence
    JoĂ«l Truchon · CC BY-SA 3.0
    He was a deacon in the early Christian church who was martyred by being roasted alive on a gridiron.
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    He was a German pastor and theologian who was executed by the Nazis for his opposition to Hitler and his regime.
    Dietrich Bonhoeffer in other rankings
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    Maximilian Kolbe
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
    He was a Polish Franciscan friar who volunteered to die in place of a fellow prisoner at Auschwitz during World War II.
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Martin Luther King Jr.
    Nobel Foundation · Public domain

    Martin Luther King Jr.

    Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
    He was an American civil rights leader who was assassinated for his advocacy of nonviolent resistance against racial discrimination.
    Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent civil rights activist and leader in the United States during the mid-20th century. He is best known for his role in advancing civil rights through nonviolent methods and delivering the iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech, which called for racial equality. King was an influential figure in the fight against discrimination and segregation, and his legacy continues to inspire individuals around the world.
    • Date of Birth: January 15, 1929
    • Place of Birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
    • Education: Ph.D. in Systematic Theology
    • Key Achievements: Nobel Peace Prize (1964), Montgomery Bus Boycott, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965
    • Leadership Style: Nonviolent resistance, civil disobedience
    Martin Luther King Jr. in other rankings

Missing your favorite martyr?

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Ranking factors for famous martyr

  1. The historical significance of the martyrdom event
    This considers the time period, location, and context of the martyrdom and how it impacted society.
  2. The identity of the martyr
    This considers factors like their profession, social status, or religious affiliation, which could influence the level of impact their martyrdom had on society.
  3. The circumstances of the martyrdom
    This considers how the martyr died, for what cause, and the level of brutality involved.
  4. The extent of public awareness and impact
    This considers how widely publicized, recognized, and celebrated the martyr and their cause are, and the extent to which they inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous martyr. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or martyr is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2443 views
  • 210 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each martyr once every 24 hours. The rank of each martyr is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous martyr

The concept of martyrdom has been prevalent in various cultures and religions throughout history. A martyr is someone who willingly sacrifices their life or suffers greatly for a belief, cause, or principle. From ancient times to the present day, there have been countless individuals who have become martyrs for their beliefs, whether it be in the name of religion, politics, or social justice. The question of who is the most famous martyr is a difficult one to answer, as there have been so many individuals who have achieved martyrdom and have been venerated by different communities. However, some of the most well-known martyrs include figures such as Jesus Christ, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi. Their stories continue to inspire and resonate with people around the world today.

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