He died burned alive in the amphitheater of Tarraco during the persecution decreed by the Roman emperors Valerian and Galerius.

Possibly were the first martyrs of which there is some sort of documentation in the history of Christianity in Spain.

They were not completely successful, though, and near the gate of the amphitheatre some of the Christians were able to get close to Fructuosus, and one of them asked him for his prayers.

St. Fructuosus replied, in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, "I am bound to bear in mind the whole universal Church from east to west."

As the flames rose and enveloped the martyrs, they stretched out their arms, praying to their God until they died.