Les Nations foulent la Cité Sainte. Le meurtre des deux Témoins. La Bête Faux Prophète . Apoc. XI 

This vibrant illustration made circa 1050 by the artist Facundus, depicts a scene from the Book of Revelation. It reflects the anxieties and social upheavals of the medieval period through its dramatic portrayal of violence and divine retribution. In the upper register, dark-skinned figures are shown desecrating the Holy City, a powerful visual statement on the perceived threats to Christian society from external forces. Below, the murder of the two witnesses unfolds, highlighting themes of persecution and martyrdom. The identities of the perpetrators are rendered through symbolic representation, reflecting the complex relationships between religious, racial, and cultural identities in the medieval world. The emotional intensity of this image is palpable, inviting us to reflect on the human cost of conflict and the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity. Facundus’s illustration doesn't merely recount biblical prophecy, it serves as a mirror reflecting the social and political realities of its time.