# Longinus

> Roman soldier, and saint, who pierced the side of Jesus

**Wikidata**: [Q319947](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q319947)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longinus)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/longinus

## Summary
Longinus was a Roman soldier and saint who is traditionally identified as the centurion who pierced the side of Jesus Christ with a lance during the crucifixion, an act that led to his veneration in Christian tradition and significant theological interpretations.

## Biography
- Born: 100 AD
- Nationality: Roman
- Known for: Piercing the side of Jesus with the Holy Lance during the crucifixion
- Employer(s): Roman military
- Field(s): Military service

## Contributions
Longinus is primarily known for his role in the crucifixion narrative of Jesus Christ as described in the Gospel of John. His act of piercing Jesus' side with the Holy Lance resulted in the flow of blood and water from Jesus' body, an event of theological significance in Christianity that has been interpreted as fulfilling biblical prophecy and revealing Jesus' divinity. This act has led to his depiction in Christian art, his veneration as a saint in various Christian traditions, and the creation of religious sites dedicated to him.

## FAQs
1. What is the Holy Lance associated with Longinus?
   The Holy Lance is the spear that, according to the Gospel of John, Longinus used to pierce the side of Jesus as he hung on the cross. This artifact has become significant in Christian tradition and religious history, with various claims to its authenticity throughout history.

2. Where is Saint Longinus venerated today?
   Saint Longinus is venerated in various Christian traditions, with notable sites including St. Longin's Rotunda in Prague, which is dedicated to him and was established around 1200 AD. He is particularly honored in Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

3. How is Longinus depicted in religious art?
   Longinus is frequently depicted in Christian art, including notable works such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini's statue "Saint Longinus" located in the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican. These artistic representations typically show him at the moment of Jesus' crucifixion or in a state of spiritual conversion.

4. What happened to Longinus after he pierced Jesus' side?
   According to Christian tradition developed after the biblical account, Longinus underwent a conversion experience after witnessing events at the crucifixion. Tradition holds that he later suffered martyrdom for his faith, which contributed to his canonization as a saint.

## Why They Matter
Longinus holds significant importance in Christian tradition due to his role in the crucifixion narrative. His act of piercing Jesus' side, while initially appearing as a simple execution detail, came to be understood as fulfilling biblical prophecy and revealing Jesus' divinity. The blood and water that flowed from the wound have theological significance in Christian sacramental theology. Longinus's later conversion and martyrdom (elements of tradition beyond the biblical account) have made him a symbol of redemption and the transformative power of encountering Christ. His influence extends to religious art, architecture (as evidenced by churches dedicated to him), and Christian devotion across multiple traditions.

## Notable For
- Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus Christ during the crucifixion
- Associated with the Holy Lance, a significant religious artifact
- Canonized as a saint in Christian tradition
- Subject of Gian Lorenzo Bernini's statue in St. Peter's Basilica
- St. Longin's Rotunda in Prague is dedicated to him
- Connected to the fulfillment of biblical prophecy in Christian theology

## Body
### Historical Context and Identity
Longinus was a Roman military officer serving during the 1st century AD. Historical records from the time are scarce, and most of what is known about him comes from later Christian tradition rather than contemporary accounts. According to structured properties, he lived from 100 AD to 100 AD, though these dates may reflect traditional rather than historically precise information.

### The Crucifixion Incident
The most significant event associated with Longinus is his role in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. According to the Gospel of John 19:34, "one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out." While the Gospel does not name the soldier who performed this act, Christian tradition later identified him as Longinus. This act, originally a routine part of confirming death, took on deep theological significance as it was seen as fulfilling prophecy and revealing Jesus' divinity.

### The Holy Lance
The weapon used by Longinus, known as the Holy Lance or Spear of Longinus, became a significant religious artifact. According to the source material, it is directly owned/operated by the Holy Lance entity. The lance has been associated with various relics throughout history, including the Lance of Longinus preserved in the Vatican, though its authenticity has been subject to historical debate. This artifact represents a tangible connection to one of the most pivotal moments in Christian history.

### Canonization and Veneration
After the crucifixion, Christian tradition holds that Longinus underwent a conversion experience. He is said to have witnessed events at the crucifixion that led to his belief in Jesus' divinity. According to tradition, he later suffered martyrdom for his faith, which contributed to his canonization as a saint. His feast day is celebrated on March 15 in various Christian traditions, and he is recognized as a significant figure in Christian hagiography.

### Artistic Representations
Longinus has been a popular subject in Christian art for centuries. One of the most notable depictions is Gian Lorenzo Bernini's statue "Saint Longinus" created for the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican. The sculpture captures the moment of Longinus's supposed conversion, showing him in a dramatic pose that conveys spiritual revelation. This work exemplifies the artistic representation of Longinus as a figure of transformation and divine encounter. Additional artistic representations include the "LonginusFyodorZubov.jpg" image, further demonstrating his significance in Christian iconography.

### Churches and Shrines
Several religious sites are dedicated to Saint Longinus, with the most notable being St. Longin's Rotunda in Prague. This church, established around 1200 AD, stands as a testament to the enduring veneration of Longinus in Christian tradition. The rotunda is one of the oldest buildings in Prague and represents the architectural legacy of Longinus's significance in Christian history, serving as a physical reminder of his place in the Christian narrative.

### Theological Significance
Longinus holds particular theological significance in Christian tradition. His act of piercing Jesus' side, while initially appearing as a routine execution detail, came to be understood as having profound theological implications. The flow of blood and water from the wound has been interpreted as symbolizing the sacraments of baptism and Eucharist, and as evidence of Jesus' humanity and divinity. Longinus's conversion and martyrdom further contribute to his significance as a symbol of redemption and the transformative power of encountering Christ.

### Historical Authenticity
It is important to note that the identification of the soldier who pierced Jesus' side as "Longinus" comes from Christian tradition rather than biblical or historical sources. The name itself appears to have originated in later centuries, and the details of Longinus's life beyond the crucifixion account are largely based on apocryphal texts and later hagiography. Historical scholars debate the authenticity of these traditions, but their cultural and religious impact remains undeniable.

### Modern Veneration
Today, Saint Longinus continues to be venerated in various Christian traditions, particularly in the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. His relics are claimed to be preserved in several locations, including the Vatican. The enduring devotion to Longinus reflects the lasting impact of his traditional association with one of the most significant events in Christian history. His name appears in multiple religious contexts, from church dedications to artistic representations, demonstrating his continued relevance in contemporary Christian practice.

### Symbolic Interpretations
Beyond his historical role, Longinus has been interpreted symbolically in Christian theology. He represents the pagan soldier who encounters the truth of Christ and is transformed. His supposed conversion symbolizes the possibility of redemption for all who encounter Christ, regardless of their background. This symbolic interpretation has contributed to his enduring significance in Christian thought and devotion, making him a figure of spiritual transformation rather than merely a historical participant in the crucifixion.

## References

1. Dictionary of African Biography
2. BeWeB
3. Library of the World's Best Literature
4. Matthew 15
5. Roman Martyrology (2004)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. santiebeati.it
8. Heiligen.net
9. Orthodox Encyclopedia
10. Clavis Clavium
11. Ökumenisches Heiligenlexikon
12. Czech National Authority Database
13. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index10.html)
14. CERL Thesaurus
15. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
16. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands