About
Saint Augustine (Aurelius Augustinus) was born in 354 in Tagaste, Numidia (present-day Algeria). After a youth marked by intellectual and spiritual quest, he converted to Christianity in 386 and was baptized by Saint Ambrose in Milan. Ordained priest and then Bishop of Hippo in 395/396, he became a major figure of Latin theology. His work, notably the Confessions and The City of God, profoundly influenced Western Christian thought. He died in 430 during the Vandal siege of Hippo.
Major works
- Confessiones (397-401)spiritual autobiography
- De Civitate Dei (413-426)theological and philosophical treatise
- De Trinitate (400-416)theological treatise
- De Doctrina Christiana (396-426)treatise on exegesis and rhetoric
Key milestones
- 386Conversion to Christianity in Milan, influenced by Saint Ambrose.
- 395/396Became Bishop of Hippo, a position he held until his death.
- 430Died in Hippo during the Vandal siege of the city.
Themes
Grace and free willCity of God and earthly cityConversion and inner lifeTime and memoryBiblical exegesis
Sources: britannica.com · britishmuseum.org