# Laurentius

> archpriest, antipope elected in 498

**Wikidata**: [Q295509](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q295509)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antipope_Laurentius)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/laurentius

## Summary
Laurentius was an archpriest and antipope elected in 498, serving as a rival to the legitimate pope during a period of religious turmoil in Ancient Rome. His role as an antipope highlights his opposition to the established Catholic Church hierarchy.

## Biography
- Born: [unknown]
- Nationality: Roman
- Education: [unknown]
- Known for: Being elected as an antipope in 498
- Employer(s): Catholic Church (as a rival figure)
- Field(s): Religious leadership

## Contributions
Laurentius was elected as an antipope in 498, challenging the legitimate papal authority during a time of religious conflict in Ancient Rome. His election marked him as a rival to the recognized pope, contributing to the broader instability in the early medieval Church.

## FAQs
**What was Laurentius's role in the Catholic Church?**
Laurentius served as an antipope in 498, opposing the legitimate papal authority during a period of religious division in Ancient Rome.

**Where did Laurentius work?**
Laurentius was affiliated with the Catholic Church, though he held a rival position as an antipope rather than a recognized priest.

**What is an antipope?**
An antipope is a bishop or priest who claims to be the legitimate pope but is not recognized by the majority of the Church. Laurentius held this role in 498.

## Why They Matter
Laurentius's election as an antipope in 498 underscores the political and religious instability of the early medieval period in Ancient Rome. His existence highlights the fragmented nature of the Church during this time, where multiple claimants to the papacy emerged. His brief tenure as an antipope reflects the broader challenges faced by the Catholic Church in maintaining unity during this era.

## Notable For
- Elected as an antipope in 498, challenging the legitimate papal authority
- A rival figure to the recognized pope during a period of religious conflict
- Symbolizes the instability and fragmentation of the early medieval Church

## Body
### Early Life
Laurentius's early life remains unknown, but he emerged as a significant figure in the religious landscape of Ancient Rome in 498.

### Religious Leadership
In 498, Laurentius was elected as an antipope, opposing the legitimate papal authority. His election marked him as a rival to the recognized pope, contributing to the broader instability in the early medieval Church.

### Influence
Laurentius's brief tenure as an antipope reflects the political and religious turmoil of the time. His existence highlights the fragmented nature of the Church during this period, where multiple claimants to the papacy emerged.

### Legacy
Laurentius's role as an antipope in 498 remains a notable example of the religious conflicts that plagued the early medieval Church. His brief tenure underscores the challenges faced by the Catholic Church in maintaining unity during this era.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. CERL Thesaurus
4. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani
5. HMML Authority File