When was the earliest written record of the cause of St. Peter's martyrdom recorded?

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The earliest explicit written records of St. Peter’s crucifixion appear in the late second and early third centuries, with Tertullian providing one of the earliest statements around 200 AD. Earlier accounts in the Gospel of John and Clement of Rome allude to his death or martyrdom without explicitly describing the method.

The earliest explicit written records concerning the specific manner of St. Peter’s martyrdom (crucifixion) appear in the late second and early third centuries. While the New Testament alludes to his death, later historical and patristic writings provide the specific details. According to the records preserved by the historian Eusebius, here is the chronological development of these accounts: 1. The New Testament (c. 90-100 AD): The Gospel of John (21:18-19) contains a prophecy from Jesus Christ regarding Peter’s end: “‘...you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.’ This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God.” The phrase “stretch out your hands” was understood by early Christians as a reference to crucifixion. 2. Clement of Rome (c. 95-96 AD): In his Epistle to the Corinthians, Clement mentions that Peter endured many labors and, having borne his witness, went to the “appointed place of glory,” confirming his martyrdom in Rome, though he does not describe the physical method. 3. Tertullian (c. 200 AD): Writing in Scorpiace and The Prescription Against Heretics, Tertullian provides one of the earliest explicit statements that Peter was crucified. He specifically compares Peter’s death to that of the Lord, stating that Peter “is endured to the passion of the Lord.” 4. Origen (c. 185–254 AD): Origen is the primary source for the specific detail that Peter was crucified head-downward. Eusebius, in his Church History, cites Origen’s third volume of Commentaries on Genesis, stating: “Peter appears to have preached in Pontus, and Galatia, and Bithynia, Cappadocia, and Asia... who finally coming to Rome, was crucified head-downwards, for he had requested that he might suffer in this way.” From the perspective of the Church, these testimonies confirm the historical reality of his sacrifice during the reign of Nero, following his successful efforts to combat the errors of the heretic Simon Magus in Rome.

When was the earliest written record of the cause of St. Peter's martyrdom recorded?

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