The Dating of the Acta Carpi

In the scholarly discussion on the dating of the Acta Carpi, two main proposals were hitherto formed: either II or III c. CE. The article argues that the earlier dating is probable. The Acta Carpi show many parallels with the Martyrium Polycarpi which can be best explained by a direct relationship between the two texts. Since the Acta Carpi betray more archaic features than the Martyrium Polycarpi, which in light of recent studies should be dated to the end of the second century, it is inferred that the Acta Carpi were written in the II c. CE, most probably in the years 166–168.