# Hippolytus

> Christian theologian and saint (c. 170 – c. 235)

**Wikidata**: [Q207113](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q207113)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippolytus_of_Rome)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hippolytus

## Summary
Hippolytus was a Christian theologian and saint who lived in Ancient Rome around 170–235 CE. He is recognized as one of the most learned early Christian writers and is known for his apologetic and theological works, including the influential *Refutatio Omnium Haeresium*.

## Biography
- Born: c. 170, likely in or near Rome
- Nationality: Ancient Rome
- Education: Unknown
- Known for: Early Christian theological writings and martyrdom
- Employer(s): Christian Church
- Field(s): Theology, Christian doctrine, ecclesiastical writing

## Contributions
Hippolytus authored several significant theological and apologetic works that shaped early Christian thought:
- *Refutatio Omnium Haeresium* ("Exposure of All Heresies") – A comprehensive critique of heretical teachings, composed around the early 3rd century.
- *Apostolic Tradition* – A foundational text on early Christian liturgy and church order.
- *Canon of Scripture* – An influential list of canonical books that contributed to the development of the biblical canon.
- *Commentary on Daniel* – A detailed exegetical work on the biblical Book of Daniel.
He is also traditionally venerated as a martyr, with his death believed to have occurred around 235 CE.

## FAQs
**Who was Saint Hippolytus?**  
Saint Hippolytus was a 3rd-century Christian theologian, writer, and martyr from Rome. He is known for his extensive theological writings and is considered one of the most learned figures in early Christianity.

**What are Hippolytus's most important writings?**  
His most significant works include the *Refutatio Omnium Haeresium*, the *Apostolic Tradition*, and his *Canon of Scripture*. These texts were instrumental in shaping early Christian theology and church practices.

**How did Hippolytus influence early Christianity?**  
He contributed significantly to the development of Christian doctrine, church order, and scriptural interpretation. His works were foundational in defining orthodoxy and combating heresy in the early Church.

**Is Hippolytus recognized as a saint?**  
Yes, Hippolytus is venerated as a saint in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. He is also recognized as a martyr, traditionally believed to have died during the persecution under Emperor Maximinus Thrax.

**Was Hippolytus associated with the papacy?**  
While not a pope himself, Hippolytus was involved in early church politics and is sometimes identified as an antipope due to his opposition to several bishops of Rome, including Pope Callixtus I.

## Why They Matter
Hippolytus is a pivotal figure in early Christian intellectual and theological development. His rigorous writings helped define orthodox Christian beliefs and challenged heretical movements of his time. His *Refutatio Omnium Haeresium* remains a critical historical and theological resource, and his *Apostolic Tradition* influenced liturgical practices for centuries. As a martyr and saint, he also became a symbol of early Christian resilience and faith. His legacy is enshrined in the naming of churches, such as in St. Pölten, Austria, and other locations worldwide.

## Notable For
- Authoring *Refutatio Omnium Haeresium*, a landmark critique of heresies
- Establishing a scriptural canon that influenced later biblical scholarship
- Writing the *Apostolic Tradition*, which shaped early Christian liturgy
- Being venerated as a saint and martyr in the Christian tradition
- Influencing the development of church order and discipline in early Christianity
- Being associated with the intellectual and theological foundations of the Christian Church

## Body

### Early Life and Context
Hippolytus was born around 170 CE, likely in or near Rome, during the height of the Roman Empire. He was active in the Christian Church during the 2nd and 3rd centuries, a period marked by theological diversity and conflict with heretical movements. His background is not well-documented, but his intellectual contributions place him among the most learned theologians of early Christianity.

### Career and Writings
Hippolytus became a prolific theologian and writer, producing works that shaped early Christian thought. His most significant contributions include:
- *Refutatio Omnium Haeresium* – A detailed critique of various heretical sects, particularly Gnosticism, composed in the early 3rd century.
- *Apostolic Tradition* – A foundational text outlining early Christian liturgical practices, including ordination and the Eucharist.
- *Canon of Scripture* – A list of canonical books that influenced the formation of the biblical canon.
- *Commentary on Daniel* – A theological and exegetical work interpreting the biblical Book of Daniel.

He was a vocal critic of the Roman Church’s leadership, particularly opposing Pope Callixtus I, which led to tensions and possibly his identification as an antipope.

### Ecclesiastical Status and Martyrdom
Hippolytus is venerated as a saint in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. He is traditionally believed to have been martyred around 235 CE, possibly during the persecution under Emperor Maximinus Thrax. His martyrdom is commemorated in various churches named in his honor, including:
- Saint Hippolytus Church of Zell am See, Austria
- Sant'Ippolito, Rome, Italy
- Iglesia de San Hipólito, Córdoba, Spain
- Oude Kerk, Delft, Netherlands (indirectly associated)

### Legacy and Influence
Hippolytus's theological legacy is preserved in his extensive writings, which influenced early Christian doctrine and church practices. His *Apostolic Tradition* became a reference for liturgical structure, and his *Canon of Scripture* contributed to the development of the biblical canon. His influence is also evident in:
- Churches and institutions named after him, such as St. Pölten, Austria, which bears his name and honors his legacy.
- His recognition in numerous encyclopedias and theological databases, including entries in:
  - Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary
  - Meyers Konversations-Lexikon
  - Encyclopædia Britannica
  - Pauly–Wissowa
- His veneration as a patron saint in multiple religious and cultural contexts.

### Historical and Cultural Impact
Hippolytus's impact extends beyond theology into cultural and historical memory. Cities like St. Pölten, Austria, are named in his honor, and his story is preserved in:
- Religious institutions and churches worldwide
- Scholarly and theological databases such as:
  - Library of Congress (P8122: A3243)
  - Virtual International Authority File (P214: 88873163, 284558490)
  - Union des Artistes Graphiques (P269: 028285492)
  - BnF (Bibliothèque nationale de France) (P268: 12015254b, 106680638)
  - VIAF (P213: 0000000455919778)
  - Wikidata (P1417: biography/Saint-Hippolytus-of-Rome)
His works continue to be studied for their contributions to early Christian theology, church order, and scriptural interpretation.

## References

1. BeWeB
2. Catholic-Hierarchy.org
3. [regional database of the Municipal Library of Jindřichův Hradec](https://jh.tritius.cz/authority/567196)
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6. Virtual International Authority File
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11. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
13. DLL Catalog
14. SNAC
15. Catalogue of the Library of the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas
16. CONOR.BG
17. Schoenberg Database of Manuscripts
18. Enciclopedia Treccani
19. Nationalencyklopedin
20. Integrated Authority File
21. Catalogue of the Unione Romana Biblioteche Scientifiche
22. VcBA (identifier)
23. MAK
24. Source
25. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
26. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
27. IdRef
28. CERL Thesaurus
29. A Biographical Dictionary of the Saints
30. LIBRIS
31. HMML Authority File