Hilary of Poitiers

Also: Hilarius Pictaviensis

Born perhaps between 310 and 320, probably in Limonum (Pictavi), now Poitiers, France. Died probably between 367 and 368, in Limonum (Pictavi), now Poitiers, France.

Bishop of Poitiers and the chief Latin defender of the Creed of Nicaea. The emperor sent him to Asia Minor, where he learned Greek theology and wrote On the Trinity.

Wrote in Latin. A major author.

Places lived

350 to 356Limonum (Pictavi), now Poitiers, Francebishopyears probableHe became bishop between about 350 and 353.
356 to 360Phrygia (west-central Turkey)exileplace not sureThe sources name the region only.
361 to 367Limonum (Pictavi), now Poitiers, Francebishopyears probable

Works

4 works, in the order they were written. 3 works can be read here.

Commentary on Matthewc. 353 to 356 · probably in Limonum (Pictavi), now Poitiers, France · commentaryThe oldest Latin commentary on Matthew that survives whole.not yet on the site
On the Trinity356 to 360 · perhaps in Phrygia (west-central Turkey, region) · treatiseTwelve books on the Son as true God, the first large Latin work against the Arians.182,934 words
On the Councils358 to 359 · perhaps in Phrygia (west-central Turkey, region) · letterA letter that explains the Eastern creeds to the bishops of Gaul.23,844 words
Homilies on the Psalmsc. 360 to 367 · probably in Limonum (Pictavi), now Poitiers, France · commentarySermons on about sixty Psalms, with much taken from Origen.11,790 words

How we know the dates and places

Born not sure: No ancient source. Scholars say about 315. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Hilary of Poitiers'.
Place of birth probable: Jerome, Commentary on Galatians, preface to book 2; Venantius Fortunatus, Life of Hilary
Died probable: Jerome, Chronicle, at the year 367; Sulpicius Severus, Chronicle 2.45
Place of death sure: Sulpicius Severus, Chronicle 2.45
Limonum (Pictavi), years probable: Hilary, On the Synods 91
Limonum (Pictavi), place sure: Hilary, On the Synods 91
Phrygia, years sure: Hilary, On the Synods 63; Sulpicius Severus, Chronicle 2.39 to 2.45
Phrygia, place not sure: Hilary, On the Synods 63; Sulpicius Severus, Chronicle 2.39 to 2.45
Limonum (Pictavi), years probable: Sulpicius Severus, Chronicle 2.45; Life of Martin 5
Limonum (Pictavi), place sure: Sulpicius Severus, Chronicle 2.45; Life of Martin 5