Blandina (d. c. 177 CE) is one of the primary martyrs discussed in an anonymous letter titled the Letter of the Churches of Vienne and Lyon (177 CE), a document preserved in Eusebius of Caesarea’s Church History (Hist. eccl. 5.1.1–5.2.). According to the letter, Blandina was an unattractive slave girl, but, though lowly in life, Blandina transitions in the narrative to a leader who inspires the other Christians to renew their confession of faith.

Blandina is introduced into the acco…