Melito of Sardis

Also: Melito

Born: the year and the place are not known. Died probably between 177 and 195, probably in Sardis (now Sart, Turkey).

Bishop of Sardis in Asia Minor. His Easter sermon On Pascha was found again in the twentieth century.

Wrote in Greek. A major author.

Places lived

2 works, in the order they were written. 1 work can be read here.

On Paschac. 160 to 170 · probably in Sardis (now Sart, Turkey) · homilyAn Easter sermon in rich poetic prose on the Passover lamb and the death of Christ.not yet on the site
Fragmentsc. 160 to 180 · probably in Sardis (now Sart, Turkey) · fragmentsWhat is left of his other books, with parts of his defence sent to Marcus Aurelius.11,197 words

Passing of Mary (Pseudo-Melito) false nameabout the fifth century · place not known · narrativeThe oldest Latin story of the death of Mary and of her body taken up to heaven; it carries the name of Melito of Sardis.3,887 words

How we know the dates and places

Born not known: No ancient source gives a year.
Place of birth not known: No ancient source names a place.
Died probable: Eusebius, Church History 4.26 (apology to Marcus Aurelius, about 176) and 5.24.5 (Polycrates, about 190 to 195, lists him among the dead)
Place of death probable: Polycrates of Ephesus in Eusebius, Church History 5.24.5 ("he lies at Sardis")
Sardis, years not sure: Eusebius, Church History 4.13, 4.26 and 5.24.5
Sardis, place sure: Eusebius, Church History 4.13, 4.26 and 5.24.5