# Saint Sebastian > Christian saint and martyr (256–288) **Wikidata**: [Q183332](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q183332) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Sebastian) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saint-sebastian ## Summary Saint Sebastian was a Christian saint and martyr who lived from approximately 256 to 287 AD in Ancient Rome. He is most famously known for his martyrdom under the Roman Emperor Diocletian and is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. His legacy includes numerous churches and institutions named in his honor, as well as his representation in Christian iconography and theology. ## Biography - Born: 256 AD - Nationality: Ancient Rome - Education: Not specified - Known for: Christian martyrdom and sainthood - Employer(s): Roman military (as a soldier) - Field(s): Religion, martyrdom ## Contributions Saint Sebastian is primarily known for his role as a Christian martyr and saint rather than for building or publishing anything in the traditional sense. However, his life and death have inspired numerous cultural and religious works, including: - His veneration as a saint in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. - Serving as a central figure in Christian hagiography. - Being the namesake of many churches, including: - San Sebastian Church (Madrid, Spain) - St. Sebastian Cathedral, Ilhéus (Brazil) - San Sebastián (Basque Country, Spain) - San Sebastiano (Venice, Italy) - St. Sebastian's Cathedral, Bratislava (Slovakia) - Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian (Cochabamba, Bolivia) - St. Sebastian Cathedral, Ribeirão Preto (Brazil) - Church of Saints Fabian and Sebastian (Rijeka, Croatia) - San Sebastiano Curone (Italy) - Rio de Janeiro Cathedral (Brazil) - San Sebastiano (Mantua, Italy) - Tarlac Cathedral (Philippines) - San Sebastiano in Vallepiatta (Siena, Italy) - Chiesa di San Paolo (Palazzolo Acreide, Italy) - San Sebastian Church (Manila, Philippines) - Saint-Sébastien (Quebec, Canada) - San Sebastián (Basque Country, Spain) - San Sebastiano al Palatino (Rome, Italy) ## FAQs ### When was Saint Sebastian born and when did he die? Saint Sebastian was born in 256 AD and died on January 20, 287 AD, becoming a martyr for his Christian faith. ### What is Saint Sebastian known for? Saint Sebastian is known for being a Christian martyr who was executed under Emperor Diocletian and is venerated as a saint in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. ### Where has Saint Sebastian been commemorated? Saint Sebastian is commemorated in numerous churches and institutions named after him, including in Spain, Italy, Brazil, Slovakia, Bolivia, the Philippines, and Canada. ### What was Saint Sebastian's occupation? Saint Sebastian served as a soldier in the Roman military before his martyrdom. ### What is the significance of Saint Sebastian in Christian history? Saint Sebastian is significant as a Christian martyr whose story of faith and courage under persecution has inspired religious art, literature, and church foundations throughout history. ## Why They Matter Saint Sebastian's significance lies in his enduring legacy as a Christian martyr, whose story has transcended time and geography. His life and death have inspired countless religious and cultural works, including churches, art, and theological writings. As a figure of resilience and faith, he continues to be a symbol of courage in the face of persecution. His influence extends into the cultural and architectural realms, with numerous churches and institutions named in his honor across the world. Without his story of martyrdom, many of these institutions and the communities they serve would not have such a strong historical and spiritual anchor. ## Notable For - Being venerated as a Christian martyr - Having multiple churches and institutions named after him globally - Inspiring religious art and iconography - Being a central figure in Christian hagiography - Representing courage and faith in the face of persecution ## Body ### Early Life Saint Sebastian was born in 256 AD. He was a Roman soldier who was executed on January 20, 287 AD, for his Christian beliefs. He is venerated as a saint in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. ### Career Saint Sebastian served in the Roman military, where he was known for his loyalty and courage. His service was marked by his secret support of Christians, which eventually led to his discovery and martyrdom. His story is often depicted in art, showing him being shot with arrows, a reference to the method of his first attempted execution. ### Death and Martyrdom Saint Sebastian was executed for his Christian faith, becoming a martyr. His death is a central part of his sainthood, and his story has been depicted in numerous religious and artistic works. He is often shown in art being shot with arrows, which is a reference to the method of his first execution attempt. He was later revered as a saint, and his story has been used to inspire faith and courage in the face of persecution. ### Legacy Saint Sebastian's legacy is seen in the numerous churches and institutions named after him. These include: - San Sebastian Church in Madrid, Spain - St. Sebastian Cathedral in Ilhéus, Brazil - San Sebastián in the Basque Country, Spain - San Sebastiano in Venice, Italy - St. Sebastian's Cathedral in Bratislava, Slovakia - Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian in Cochabamba, Bolivia - St. Sebastian Cathedral in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil - Church of Saints Fabian and Sebastian in Rijeka, Croatia - San Sebastiano Curone in Italy - Rio de Janeiro Cathedral in Brazil - San Sebastiano in Vallepiatta, Siena, Italy - Chiesa di San Paolo in Palazzolo Acreide, Italy - San Sebastian Church in Manila, Philippines - Saint-Sébastien in Quebec, Canada - San Sebastiano al Palatino in Rome, Italy ### Influence Saint Sebastian's story has inspired religious art and iconography, often depicting him as a Roman soldier being shot with arrows. His image has been used in numerous religious and artistic works, and his story has been a source of inspiration for many. His name has been given to numerous institutions, showing his influence on Christian communities around the world. ### Religious Significance Saint Sebastian is venerated as a saint in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. His feast day is celebrated on January 20. His story of martyrdom has been used to inspire faith and courage in the face of persecution. His life and death are a testament to the power of faith and the courage to stand up for one's beliefs, even in the face of death. ### Cultural Impact Saint Sebastian's story has been depicted in numerous religious and artistic works, including paintings, sculptures, and literature. His image has been used to inspire faith and courage in the face of persecution. His name has been given to numerous institutions, showing his influence on Christian communities around the world. His story has been used to inspire faith and courage in the face of persecution, and his image has been used in religious art and iconography. ## References 1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 2. Calendarium Romanum Generale (1969) 3. CERL Thesaurus 4. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 5. Quora 6. Virtual International Authority File 7. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aistich.php) 8. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands 9. [Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno](https://ipac.svkkl.cz/arl-kl/cs/detail-kl_us_auth-0339118-sebestian-cinny-3-stoleti)