Saints Nereus and Achilleus

Nereus and Achilleus ( † about 304 in Terracina, Italy) were Roman martyrs who were converted to Christianity, probably Roman soldiers. However, according to another tradition, they should have been eunuchs and chamberlains of Flavia Domitilla, a niece of the Roman Emperor Domitian. Pope Damasus I called Achilles and Nereus as faithfully serving the Emperor and devoted soldiers who became Christians and were martyred during the Diocletian persecution of Christians.

End of the 4th century was built over the tombs of Achilles and Nereus in the Catacombs of Domitilla a three-aisled basilica, which was dedicated to the martyrs. The remains of the Basilica are now on Via delle Sette Chiese 283, half a mile from the center of Rome. The grave of Achilles and Nereus is said to have been found near the tomb of the martyr and patron saint of Rome, Petronilla; in the Basilica were originally the relics of the saints. They were probably spent in the 6th century to the present church of Santi Nereo e Achilleo.

Your Remembrance in general Roman calendar is May 12