Dionysius of Alexandria
Also: Dionysius the Great
Born perhaps between 190 and 200, perhaps in Alexandria, Egypt. Died probably between 264 and 265, probably in Alexandria, Egypt.
A student of Origen who led the school of Alexandria and then became bishop. His letters deal with persecution, schism and the nature of Christ.
Wrote in Greek. A major author.
Places lived
- 231 to 257Alexandria, Egypthead of the school, bishop from 247 or 248years probableHe fled the city for a time in the persecution of 250 to 251.
- 257 to 260Kephro and Colluthion (now sites not known; Libya and the Mareotis district, Egypt)exileyears probable
- 260 to 265Alexandria, Egyptbishopyears probable
Works
1 work, in the order they were written. 1 work can be read here.
- Letters and FragmentsWhat is left of his letters and books, most of it kept by Eusebius.41,373 words
How we know the dates and places
- Born not sure
- No ancient source. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Dionysius the Great'.
- Place of birth not sure
- No ancient source says so; his whole known life was there
- Died probable
- Eusebius, Church History 7.28.3 (the twelfth year of Gallienus)
- Place of death probable
- Eusebius, Church History 7.28.3
- Alexandria, years probable
- Eusebius, Church History 6.29, 6.35 and 6.40
- Alexandria, place sure
- Eusebius, Church History 6.29, 6.35 and 6.40
- Kephro and Colluthion, years probable
- Dionysius in Eusebius, Church History 7.11
- Kephro and Colluthion, place sure
- Dionysius in Eusebius, Church History 7.11
- Alexandria, years probable
- Eusebius, Church History 7.13 and 7.21 to 7.28
- Alexandria, place sure
- Eusebius, Church History 7.13 and 7.21 to 7.28