Polycarp was a 2nd-century Christian bishop of Smyrna, now modern-day Izmir in Turkey.
He is regarded as an Apostolic Father, one of the three chief Apostolic Fathers, along with Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch.
His importance lies in his link to the apostolic age, as he was a disciple of John the Apostle.
Polycarp was known for his piety and his stand against heresy.
He was martyred at the age of 86, and the account of his martyrdom is one of the earliest preserved, authentic records of Christian martyrdom.