Sulpicius Severus
Also: Sulpitius Severus
Born probably between 355 and 365, perhaps in Aquitania (south-west France). Died perhaps between 420 and 430; the place is not known.
A rich lawyer from Aquitaine who gave up his career to live as an ascetic. He wrote the Life of Martin of Tours, the model for later lives of saints.
Wrote in Latin. A major author.
Places lived
- 395 to 410Primuliacum (now site not known; south-west France)ascetic on his estateyears probableThe estate was in south-west France. Its site is not known.
Works
5 works, in the order they were written. 5 works can be read here.
- Life of Saint MartinThe life of the soldier who became a monk and the bishop of Tours.19,979 words
- LettersThree letters that add to his Life of Martin: on a fire that Martin escaped, and on the death and funeral of Martin.5,785 words
- Sacred HistoryA short history of the world from creation to the year 400.46,758 words
- DialoguesTalks that set Martin beside the monks of Egypt.42,436 words
Filed here, not written by Sulpicius Severus
These texts are about this person, hold what this person said, or carry this name without good reason. Each page says which.
- Doubtful Letters doubtfulSeven letters printed under the name of Sulpicius Severus; the editor Halm judged most of them not his.14,234 words
How we know the dates and places
- Born probable
- Scholars say about 360. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Sulpicius Severus'.
- Place of birth not sure
- Gennadius, On Illustrious Men 19
The source names the region only. - Died not sure
- No ancient source. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Sulpicius Severus'.
- Place of death not known
- No ancient source names a place.
- Primuliacum, years probable
- Paulinus of Nola, Letters 1, 5, 23 and 27 to 32; Gennadius, On Illustrious Men 19
- Primuliacum, place sure
- Paulinus of Nola, Letters 1, 5, 23 and 27 to 32; Gennadius, On Illustrious Men 19