Rufinus of Aquileia

Also: Tyrannius Rufinus, Rufinus of Concordia

Born probably between 344 and 345, in Iulia Concordia (now Concordia Sagittaria, Italy). Died probably between 410 and 411, probably in Messana (now Messina, Sicily, Italy).

A monk and scholar who put many Greek books into Latin, most of all the works of Origen. He was a friend of Jerome and later his enemy.

Wrote in Latin. A major author.

Places lived

359 to 368Roma (now Rome, Italy)studiedyears not sure
368 to 373Aquileia, Italymonkyears probable
373 to 380Alexandria, Egyptstudent of Didymusyears probableHe also went to the monks of Nitria.
380 to 397Hierosolyma (Aelia Capitolina), now Jerusalemmonk on the Mount of Olivesyears probable
397 to 399Roma (now Rome, Italy)translatoryears probable
399 to 407Aquileia, Italypriest and translatoryears probable
410 to 411Messana (now Messina, Sicily, Italy)refugeeyears probable, place probable

Works

6 works, in the order they were written. 5 works can be read here.

Prefaces to his Translations397 to 411 · place not known · prefaceThe prefaces and closing notes that he put on his Latin versions of Origen, Pamphilus, Eusebius, Basil and others.10,664 words
Apology Against Jerome400 to 401 · probably in Aquileia, Italy · apologyTwo books in his own defence against Jerome.47,035 words
Apology to Anastasius400 · in Aquileia, Italy · apologyA short letter to the bishop of Rome that states his faith and defends his translation of Origen.3,616 words
Commentary on the Apostles' Creedc. 400 to 404 · probably in Aquileia, Italy · commentaryThe first full Latin text and explanation of the Apostles' Creed.21,477 words
Church History402 to 403 · in Aquileia, Italy · historyThe Church History of Eusebius in Latin, with two new books that reach the year 395.not yet on the site
The Blessings of the Patriarchsabout 407 · probably in Pinetum (near Terracina, Italy, site not known) · commentaryTwo books for Paulinus of Nola that explain the blessings of Jacob on his sons in Genesis 49.2,481 words

How we know the dates and places

Born probable: Scholars say about 345. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Rufinus, Tyrannius'.
Place of birth sure: Jerome, Letter 5.2 (Paul of Concordia is his countryman) and Letter 10; Palladius, Lausiac History 46, says Aquileia, the city near by
Died probable: Jerome, Commentary on Ezekiel, preface to book 1 (dead in Sicily)
Place of death probable: Rufinus, preface to Origen's Homilies on Numbers (he saw Rhegium burn from Messana); Jerome says only Sicily
Roma, years not sure: Jerome, Letter 3; Rufinus, Apology against Jerome 2
Roma, place sure: Jerome, Letter 3; Rufinus, Apology against Jerome 2
Aquileia, years probable: Rufinus, Apology against Jerome 1.4 (baptised there about 370)
Aquileia, place sure: Rufinus, Apology against Jerome 1.4 (baptised there about 370)
Alexandria, years probable: Rufinus, Apology against Jerome 2.12; Church History 11.4
Alexandria, place sure: Rufinus, Apology against Jerome 2.12; Church History 11.4
Hierosolyma (Aelia Capitolina), years probable: Palladius, Lausiac History 46; Jerome, Letters 4 and 51
Hierosolyma (Aelia Capitolina), place sure: Palladius, Lausiac History 46; Jerome, Letters 4 and 51
Roma, years probable: Rufinus, preface to Origen's On First Principles; Apology to Anastasius
Roma, place sure: Rufinus, preface to Origen's On First Principles; Apology to Anastasius
Aquileia, years probable: Rufinus, preface to the Church History
Aquileia, place sure: Rufinus, preface to the Church History
Messana, years probable: Rufinus, preface to Origen's Homilies on Numbers
Messana, place probable: Rufinus, preface to Origen's Homilies on Numbers