In the early fifth century, even as Rome

In the early fifth century, even as Rome had officially embraced Christianity, the brutal spectacle of gladiatorial combat continued in the Colosseum, drawing massive crowds. One day, a Christian hermit named Telemachus could bear it no longer. Moved by his faith, he leaped into the arena, placing himself between the combatants. With urgency, he pleaded with them in the name of Christ to cease their violence.

The response was swift and tragic—one of the gladiators struck him down, and Telemachus fell lifeless onto the…