Saint Arianus was a historically attested governor of Ansena in Egypt (or in some sources a prefect of the Thebaid[1]) and a notable figure in the Diocletianic persecution.
He is a recurring character in Coptic hagiography, wherein he often attempts to torture Christian martyrs into worshiping idols, gets frustrated with their resilience and has them beheaded.
In these hagiographies he is depicted with a sadistic fondness for torture, employing various methods such as beating, combing, nailing,[2] burning,[3] imprisoning, crucifying,[4] and spearing[5] Christians.
Arianus told him of the miracles he had seen the martyrs perform, enraging the Emperor who had him tortured and then buried alive in a pit.
When Diocletian woke up and recognised Arianus, he was terrified and had him placed in a hair sack then thrown into the sea, where he drowned.