Augustine of Hippo

Also: Aurelius Augustinus, Augustine, Austin

Born in 354, in Thagaste (now Souk Ahras, Algeria). Died in 430, in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria).

A teacher of rhetoric from Roman Africa who became a Christian at Milan and then bishop of Hippo. His Confessions and City of God shaped all later Western thought.

Wrote in Latin. A major author.

Places lived

354 to 366Thagaste (now Souk Ahras, Algeria)born, childhoodyears probable
366 to 370Madauros (now M'Daourouch, Algeria)studiedyears probable
370 to 371Thagaste (now Souk Ahras, Algeria)a year at homeyears probable
371 to 375Carthago (now Carthage, near Tunis, Tunisia)studiedyears probable
375 to 376Thagaste (now Souk Ahras, Algeria)teacheryears probable
376 to 383Carthago (now Carthage, near Tunis, Tunisia)teacher of rhetoricyears probable
383 to 384Roma (now Rome, Italy)teacher of rhetoric
384 to 387Mediolanum (now Milan, Italy)public teacher of rhetoric; baptised at Easter 387In the winter of 386 to 387 he was at Cassiciacum, a country house near Milan.
387 to 388Roma (now Rome, Italy)writerHis mother Monica died at Ostia, the port of Rome, in 387.
388 to 391Thagaste (now Souk Ahras, Algeria)monk in a small community
391 to 430Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria)priest, bishop from 395

Works

57 works, in the order they were written. 52 works can be read here.

Against the Academics386 · in Cassiciacum (near Milan, Italy, site not sure) · dialogueHis first book: can we know the truth?not yet on the site
Soliloquies386 to 387 · in Cassiciacum (near Milan, Italy, site not sure) · dialogueA talk between Augustine and his own reason about God and the soul.22,948 words
Letters386 to 430 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · letterAbout 300 letters to bishops, officials, friends and enemies.365,734 words
On the Morals of the Catholic Church388 to 390 · probably in Roma (now Rome, Italy) · treatiseThe Christian way of life set against that of the Manichees.21,135 words
On the Morals of the Manichaeans388 to 390 · probably in Roma (now Rome, Italy) · treatiseThe second half of his first book against the Manichaeans, which attacks their way of life.19,273 words
On Free Choice of the Will388 to 395 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · dialogueWhere does evil come from? Three books on free will.not yet on the site
On the Teacherc. 389 · probably in Thagaste (now Souk Ahras, Algeria) · dialogueA talk with his son: how do we learn, and who is the true teacher?20,328 words
On True Religionc. 390 to 391 · probably in Thagaste (now Souk Ahras, Algeria) · treatiseA case for the Christian faith against the Manichees.not yet on the site
On the Profit of Believing391 to 392 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseA letter to his friend Honoratus, still a Manichaean, on why faith must come before understanding.18,687 words
On Two Souls, against the Manichaeans391 to 392 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseAn argument against the Manichaean teaching that each person has a good soul and an evil soul.11,883 words
On the Creed: a Sermon to the Catechumensdate not known (391 to 430) · place not known · homilyA sermon that explains the creed line by line to those about to be baptised.5,850 words
Sermons391 to 430 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · homilyThe sermons to the people, written down by shorthand writers as he spoke.310,322 words
Debate with Fortunatus the Manichaean392 · in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · debateThe record of a two-day public debate with a Manichaean priest on where evil comes from.10,189 words
Expositions on the Psalmsc. 392 to 418 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · commentaryHis longest work: a sermon or note on every Psalm.686,504 words
On Faith and the Creed393 · in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseAn explanation of the creed, given while he was still a priest.12,484 words
Our Lord's Sermon on the Mountc. 393 to 396 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · commentaryTwo books on Matthew 5 to 7.64,659 words
On Lyingabout 395 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseA first study of what a lie is and whether a lie can ever be right.19,542 words
On Continenceabout 418 (older view: about 395) · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · homilyA sermon on self-control as a gift of God, with an attack on the Manichaean view of the body.13,703 words
Against the Epistle of Manichaeus Called Fundamental396 to 397 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseAn answer to the opening of the letter that the Manichaeans used as their basic statement of belief.19,311 words
On Christian Doctrine396 to 427 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseHow to read the Scriptures and how to teach what they say.69,511 words
Reply to Faustus the Manichaeanc. 397 to 400 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseThirty-three books that answer the Manichaean bishop Faustus.176,062 words
Rulec. 397 to 400 · perhaps in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · ruleA short rule for a community that holds all things in common.5,063 words
Confessions397 to 401 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · autobiographyA prayer to God that tells the story of his life up to his baptism.171,073 words
On the Nature of Good, against the Manichaeansabout 399 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseA short proof that all that exists is good because it comes from God, and that evil is a lack.11,690 words
On Faith in Things Unseenafter 399 · perhaps in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · homilyA short defence of believing what we cannot see, as we do each day with our friends.5,759 words
On the Trinityc. 399 to 419 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseFifteen books on the Trinity and its image in the human mind.192,941 words
Harmony of the Gospelsc. 400 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseHow the four Gospels agree.155,419 words
On Catechizing the Uninstructedc. 400 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseAdvice to a deacon of Carthage on how to give the first lesson to newcomers.29,704 words
On Baptism, Against the Donatistsc. 400 to 401 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseSeven books on why baptism given outside the church is real but does not profit.89,043 words
On the Work of Monksabout 400 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseA book written at the wish of Aurelius of Carthage that tells monks to work with their hands.20,477 words
Answer to the Letters of Petilian the Donatist400 to 403 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseThree books against a Donatist bishop on baptism and on who is the true church.98,005 words
On Holy Virginity401 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseA praise of the virgin life that warns it is worth nothing without humility.19,921 words
On the Good of Marriagec. 401 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseWhat is good in marriage: children, faithfulness and the sacred bond.14,627 words
The Literal Meaning of Genesis401 to 415 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · commentaryTwelve books on what the first three chapters of Genesis say in the plain sense.not yet on the site
Tractates on the Gospel of Johnc. 406 to 420 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · homilyOne hundred and twenty-four sermons on the Gospel of John.410,844 words
Homilies on the First Epistle of John407 · in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · homilyTen sermons on love.70,707 words
On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins411 to 412 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseOn original sin and the baptism of infants.57,925 words
On the Spirit and the Letter412 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseThe law alone kills; the grace of the Spirit gives life.30,412 words
City of God413 to 426 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseTwenty-two books on the two cities, written after the Goths took Rome in 410.437,725 words
On the Good of Widowhood414 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · letterA letter to the widow Juliana on the worth of her state and on staying in it.12,388 words
On Nature and Grace415 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseAn answer to Pelagius's book On Nature.30,489 words
On Man's Perfection in Righteousness415 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseAn answer to the claims of Caelestius, the Pelagian, that a person can live with no sin.18,697 words
On Patienceabout 417 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · homilyA sermon on true patience as a gift of grace.8,512 words
On the Proceedings of Pelagius417 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseAn account for Aurelius of Carthage of the trial of Pelagius at Diospolis in 415.27,233 words
On the Correction of the Donatists (Letter 185)417 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · letterA letter to the officer Boniface that explains the Donatist split and defends the use of the law against it.27,455 words
On the Grace of Christ, and on Original Sin418 · perhaps in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseTwo books to Albina, Pinianus and Melania that show from the words of Pelagius what he taught on grace and on the sin of Adam.76,655 words
On Marriage and Concupiscence419 to 421 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseTwo books to Count Valerius that defend marriage as good and still hold that desire is marked by sin.40,234 words
On the Soul and its Origin419 to 421 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseFour books against the young Vincentius Victor on where the soul of each person comes from.53,837 words
Against Lying, to Consentius420 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseA book that forbids lying even to catch the Priscillianist heretics.19,079 words
Against Two Letters of the Pelagians420 to 421 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseFour books to Pope Boniface that answer two letters of Julian of Eclanum and his friends.53,882 words
Enchiridion on Faith, Hope and Lovec. 421 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseA short handbook of the faith for a layman named Laurentius.34,304 words
On the Care to Be Had for the Deadabout 422 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseAn answer to Paulinus of Nola on whether burial near the tomb of a saint helps the dead.20,226 words
On Grace and Free Will426 to 427 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseGrace does not take away free will.25,394 words
On Rebuke and Grace426 to 427 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseA book for the monks of Hadrumetum on why correction is still right if all good comes from grace.19,690 words
Retractations426 to 427 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseA review, with corrections, of all the books he had written.not yet on the site
On the Gift of Perseverance428 to 429 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseTo stay faithful to the end is also a gift of God.26,034 words
On the Predestination of the Saints428 to 429 · probably in Hippo Regius (now Annaba, Algeria) · treatiseEven the first step of faith is a gift of God.20,818 words

How we know the dates and places

Born sure: Augustine, On the Happy Life 6 (13 November); Possidius, Life of Augustine 31
Place of birth sure: Possidius, Life of Augustine 1; Augustine, Confessions 2.3.5
Died sure: Possidius, Life of Augustine 29 to 31 (28 August 430)
Place of death sure: Possidius, Life of Augustine 29 to 31
Thagaste, years probable: Augustine, Confessions 1. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Thagaste, place sure: Augustine, Confessions 1. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Madauros, years probable: Augustine, Confessions 2.3.5. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Madauros, place sure: Augustine, Confessions 2.3.5. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Thagaste, years probable: Augustine, Confessions 2.3.5 to 2.3.6. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Thagaste, place sure: Augustine, Confessions 2.3.5 to 2.3.6. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Carthago, years probable: Augustine, Confessions 3.1 to 3.4. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Carthago, place sure: Augustine, Confessions 3.1 to 3.4. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Thagaste, years probable: Augustine, Confessions 4.4.7 to 4.7.12. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Thagaste, place sure: Augustine, Confessions 4.4.7 to 4.7.12. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Carthago, years probable: Augustine, Confessions 4.7.12 to 5.8.14. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Carthago, place sure: Augustine, Confessions 4.7.12 to 5.8.14. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Roma, years sure: Augustine, Confessions 5.8.14 to 5.13.23. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Roma, place sure: Augustine, Confessions 5.8.14 to 5.13.23. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Mediolanum, years sure: Augustine, Confessions 5.13.23 to 9.6.14. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Mediolanum, place sure: Augustine, Confessions 5.13.23 to 9.6.14. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Roma, years sure: Augustine, Confessions 9.8.17 to 9.13; Retractations 1.7 to 1.9. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Roma, place sure: Augustine, Confessions 9.8.17 to 9.13; Retractations 1.7 to 1.9. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Thagaste, years sure: Possidius, Life of Augustine 3. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Thagaste, place sure: Possidius, Life of Augustine 3. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Hippo Regius, years sure: Possidius, Life of Augustine 4 to 31. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A
Hippo Regius, place sure: Possidius, Life of Augustine 4 to 31. Chronology as in P. Brown, Augustine of Hippo (1967, new ed. 2000), Chronological Table A