# Lactantius

> Roman Christian author (c. 250 - c. 325)

**Wikidata**: [Q209102](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q209102)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactantius)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lactantius

## Summary
Lactantius was a Roman Christian author (c. 250–325) known for his works in apologetics and theology. He is primarily remembered for *De mortibus persecutorum* ("On the Deaths of the Persecutions"), a defense of Christianity against pagan critics.

## Biography
- Born: c. 250 (approximate date)
- Nationality: Roman
- Education: Unknown (no details provided)
- Known for: Writing *De mortibus persecutorum* and defending Christianity through rhetoric and apologetics
- Employer(s): None explicitly listed (likely a private scholar or cleric)
- Field(s): Apologetics, theology, rhetoric

## Contributions
- **De mortibus persecutorum**: A major work defending Christianity against pagan attacks, likely written in response to the persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius (c. 250–251). The exact year is uncertain, but it was composed during the reign of Emperor Gallienus (c. 253–268).

## FAQs
- **What was Lactantius known for?** Lactantius is known for *De mortibus persecutorum*, a Christian apologetic work defending Christianity against pagan critiques during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians.
- **Was Lactantius a theologian or apologist?** Lactantius was both a theologian and an apologist, using rhetorical and philosophical arguments to defend Christian beliefs.
- **What is *De mortibus persecutorum* about?** *De mortibus persecutorum* is a defense of Christianity, likely written in response to the persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius, addressing the deaths of martyrs and the moral superiority of Christianity.
- **Did Lactantius write other works?** The source material does not mention any other works by Lactantius, so his contributions are limited to *De mortibus persecutorum*.

## Why They Matter
Lactantius played a crucial role in early Christian apologetics, providing a systematic defense of Christianity during a time of intense persecution. His work helped solidify Christian doctrine and provided a rhetorical framework for later Christian writers. While his influence is not as extensive as figures like Augustine or Jerome, *De mortibus persecutorum* remains a foundational text in the study of early Christian thought and the history of apologetics.

## Notable For
- Author of *De mortibus persecutorum*, a key work in early Christian apologetics.
- Defended Christianity against pagan critiques during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians.
- A significant figure in the development of Christian rhetoric and theology.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Lactantius was born around 250 in the Roman Empire. Little is known about his early life, but he likely came from a Christian background, as his work was written in defense of Christianity. He was educated in rhetoric and theology, though no specific institutions are recorded.

### Literary Career
Lactantius is primarily known for *De mortibus persecutorum*, a work composed during the reign of Emperor Gallienus (c. 253–268). The text was likely written in response to the persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius (c. 250–251), addressing the deaths of martyrs and the moral superiority of Christianity. The work is structured as a series of speeches, each defending a different aspect of Christian doctrine against pagan critiques.

### Influence and Legacy
While Lactantius is not as widely cited as later Christian writers, *De mortibus persecutorum* remains a significant text in the study of early Christian apologetics. It provides insight into the rhetorical strategies used by early Christians to defend their faith and helps scholars understand the theological debates of the time. His work influenced later Christian writers, including Augustine, who drew on Lactantius' arguments in his own apologetic writings.

### Later Life and Death
The exact date of Lactantius' death is unknown, but it is estimated to be around 325. He likely died in the Roman Empire, where he spent his career as a private scholar or cleric. His death marked the end of an era in early Christian literature, as the persecution of Christians began to ease, and the focus of Christian writers shifted toward theological and philosophical debates.

## References

1. [Source](https://books.google.be/books?id=dOfCplxDzmwC&pg=PA457)
2. [Source](https://books.google.be/books?id=dOfCplxDzmwC&pg=PA458)
3. LIBRIS. 2018
4. Mirabile: Digital Archives for Medieval Culture
5. Library of the World's Best Literature
6. [Source](https://books.google.be/books?id=vKR1vmvQfm0C&pg=PA297)
7. [Source](https://books.google.be/books?id=vKR1vmvQfm0C&pg=PA298)
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. BnF authorities
10. CiNii Research
11. Oxford Classical Dictionary (4th rev. ed.)
12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
13. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
14. Integrated Authority File
15. Czech National Authority Database
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Catalogue of the Library of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross
18. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index10.html)
19. CONOR.SI
20. CERL Thesaurus
21. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
22. Enciclopedia Treccani
23. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
24. Provenio
25. HMML Authority File
26. Clavis Historicorum Antiquitatis Posterioris
27. [Source](https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/artists/992)
28. Digital Scriptorium Catalog