These two Christian soldiers died on 10 July.
Christopher of Antioch guard for a king, ca 250 Martyred for refusing to submit to idolotry and was martyred under Gaius Messius Quintus Trajanus Decius reign. Chistopher is a popular religous figure. In the West he is depicted with a child on his shoulders, in the East as a very ugly "dogged faced" soldier. The link takes you to a fanciful ancient history that seemingly embellished his martyrdom. Some in the West take him to be legendary
El Cid Campeador "The Lord Champion" Knight, had a very political and combative life. Latter-day critical evaluation by historians has identified him as somewhat of a mercenary (albeit from Moslem historical sources for whatever that is worth).
However, he is recognized in Spain as a Christian hero and savior for Spain from Moslem domination. Poema de Mio Cid, (Lay of the Cid) is a legendary poem written a century after his death in 1099. It no doubt inspired many a Spanish Christian soldier to virtue and Christian service. Great epic movie with a cast of thousands and with Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren based on the Poem and Christian legend - one of my very favorites when growing up.
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