Benedict of Nursia
Also: Benedict, Benedictus
Born by tradition between 480 and 490, probably in Nursia (now Norcia, Italy). Died perhaps between 547 and 560, probably in Casinum (now Monte Cassino, Cassino, Italy).
A monk who founded the monastery of Monte Cassino in Italy. His short Rule became the pattern for monks in the West.
Wrote in Latin. A major author.
Almost all we know of his life is from one book, written about 593. So no place is marked higher than probable.
Places lived
- 495 to 500Roma (now Rome, Italy)studiedyears not sure, place probable
- 500 to 529Sublaqueum (now Subiaco, Italy)hermit, then abbotyears by tradition, place probable
- 529 to 547Casinum (now Monte Cassino, Cassino, Italy)abbotyears by tradition, place probableThe year 529 for the move is a tradition.
Works
1 work, in the order they were written. 1 work can be read here.
- Rule of Saint BenedictThe rule for monks that shaped the monasteries of the West.24,791 words
How we know the dates and places
- Born by tradition
- The year 480 is a tradition; Gregory the Great, Dialogues 2, gives no years
- Place of birth probable
- Gregory the Great, Dialogues 2, prologue
- Died not sure
- The year 547 is a tradition; Gregory the Great, Dialogues 2.14 and 2.15, has him meet King Totila (about 542 to 546)
- Place of death probable
- Gregory the Great, Dialogues 2.37
- Roma, years not sure
- Gregory the Great, Dialogues 2, prologue
- Roma, place probable
- Gregory the Great, Dialogues 2, prologue
- Sublaqueum, years by tradition
- Gregory the Great, Dialogues 2.1 to 2.8
- Sublaqueum, place probable
- Gregory the Great, Dialogues 2.1 to 2.8
- Casinum, years by tradition
- Gregory the Great, Dialogues 2.8 to 2.37
- Casinum, place probable
- Gregory the Great, Dialogues 2.8 to 2.37