Monstret Judas

Papias' beskrivelse av Judas' død

Abstract

In a preserved fragment, Papias of Hierapolis describes the body of Judas Iscariot as a degraded figure. The lapsed disciple’s body appears unhealthy and unattractive. It expresses his moral decay. This article analyzes Papias’portrayal in relation to late ancient conceptions of gender and physical (dis)- ability. It argues that casting Judas’ physicality in terms of such conceptions Papias renders him a monster, a being which defies categorization.