History of Karka

The History of Karka^[a] is a sixth-century text which describes the persecution and killings of Christians in Kirkuk (formerly known as Karka de Beth Selok) in the year 446.^[1] This outbreak of violence occurred in the Sasanian Empire under Yazdegerd II.^[1]

Before discussing the martyrdoms of 446, it gives a short account of the history of the region.^[3] The History extends back as far as ancient Assyrian figures such as Sargon II and mythological characters such as Nimrod, Ninus, and Belos.^[4] It presents a confused account of the history's origins, mixing history and mythology.^[5]

The persecution which makes up the core of the History of Karka^[6] came as a part of Yezdgard II's efforts to ensure obedience among his aristocrats, and his demands included participation in religious observances that Christians were forbidden to participate in.^[2] As a result, the persecution fell on aristocratic Christians, rather than specifically upon clergy or members of the general population.^[2] The aim was not so much to destroy Christianity as it was to enforce loyalty among the nobility.^[2]

Notes

1. Or more fully History of Karka de Beth Selok.^[1] Each of the words de, Beth, and Selok can be transcribed in more than one way. An even longer version of the title is History of Karka d-Beit Slok and Its Martyrs.^[2]