Illustration created for this project.
Simon of Cyrene
A passer-by compelled to carry the cross of Jesus on the way to Golgotha.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1
Archaeology — physical evidence · 1
Life, role & deeds
BibleA man from Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus, compelled to carry Jesus's cross on the road to Golgotha.
Mark 15:21
ArchaeologyA 1st-century ossuary from a Cyrenian-Jewish tomb in Jerusalem is inscribed 'Alexander son of Simon' — possibly this family, though the link is unproven.
The 'Alexander son of Simon' ossuary (Greek Ἀλεξάνδρου Σίμωνος), from a burial cave of Cyrenian Jews in the Kidron Valley, Jerusalem, excavated 1941; published by N. Avigad, 'A Depository of Inscribed Ossuaries in the Kidron Valley,' Israel Exploration Journal 12 (1962), 1–12; proposed link to the Simon of Cyrene of Mark 15:21 remains unproven.
Where in scripture
MarkThey compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross.
Mark 15:21 — Compelled to carry the cross
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, a public-domain translation.
Family
In art
