WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Marcus Aurelius is renowned as one of the most significant Stoic philosophers and the last of the "Five Good Emperors" of the Roman Empire.
BIRTH: Marcus Aurelius was born on April 26, 121 AD, in Rome, Italy.
FAMILY BACKGROUND: He was born into a prominent and wealthy Roman family, the gens Aurelia. His father, Marcus Annius Verus (d. 124 AD), was a distinguished Roman politician who lived in the 2nd century, served as a praetor
In his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius, who was only about 3 years old when his father died, says of him: "From what I heard of my father and my memory of him, modesty and manliness."
Marcus's mother, Domitia Lucilla Minor was the daughter of the Roman patrician P. Calvisius Tullus and inherited a great fortune.
CHILDHOOD: Marcus Aurelius was raised by his mother and grandfather. He had a privileged upbringing, surrounded by the cultural and intellectual atmosphere of Rome.
EDUCATION: He received an excellent education, studying rhetoric, literature, and philosophy under the guidance of prominent tutors. He studied Greek and Latin under such tutors as Herodes Atticus and Marcus Cornelius Fronto.
CAREER RECORD: Marcus Aurelius embarked on a political career, holding various administrative and military positions before ascending to the throne. His resume reads:
Roman Consul (140, 145, 161 AD)
Co-Emperor with Lucius Verus (161-169 AD)
Sole Emperor (169-180 AD)
His reign was marked by constant military campaigns against Germanic tribes and the Parthian Empire.
APPEARANCE: He was described as having a dignified and austere appearance, with a prominent beard.
Bust of Marcus Aurelius
FASHION: Marcus Aurelius likely dressed in the traditional Roman attire of his time, consisting of a toga and tunica, reflecting his status as a Roman aristocrat.
CHARACTER: He was known for his wisdom, integrity, and devotion to duty, embodying the Stoic virtues of self-discipline and rationality.
SENSE OF HUMOUR: Little is known about his sense of humor, but his writings suggest a pragmatic and serious personality.
RELATIONSHIPS: Marcus Aurelius married Faustina the Younger in 145 AD. History hasn't exactly been kind to her reputation. Some Roman gossips painted Faustina as a bit of a poisoner and instigator, while others hinted she might have strayed a bit in the loyalty department. It's hard to say for sure, but one thing is clear: Marcus seemed devoted to her, despite the rumours. They even travelled together on his military campaigns, and Faustina was quite popular with the soldiers.
Marcus and Faustina had at least 14 children during their 30-year marriage, including Commodus who succeeded him as Emperor.
MONEY AND FAME: As emperor, Marcus Aurelius wielded immense wealth and power, but he was known for his frugality and modesty.
FOOD AND DRINK: He likely enjoyed the lavish banquets and delicacies typical of Roman aristocracy but may have also practiced moderation in his diet.
MUSIC AND ARTS: Marcus Aurelius appreciated the arts and supported the cultural flourishing of Rome during his reign.
LITERATURE: He was a prolific writer and philosopher, leaving behind the famous collection of Stoic reflections known as Meditations.
Meditations is a goldmine of practical wisdom on living a good life, even when the barbarians are at the gate and the plumbing's on the fritz. It's a book that's been inspiring people for centuries.
NATURE: Marcus Aurelius had a deep reverence for nature and often reflected on its beauty and harmony in his writings.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS: He likely participated in traditional Roman pastimes such as hunting, horseback riding, and attending gladiatorial games.
SCIENCE AND MATHS: Marcus Aurelius was interested in the sciences and mathematics, although his philosophical writings focused more on ethics and metaphysics.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: He embraced Stoicism as his guiding philosophy, emphasizing inner tranquility, virtue, and acceptance of fate.
Meditations is a collection of personal writings that offer timeless wisdom on living a virtuous life. Itexplores themes of duty, living a good life, and accepting one's fate.
SCANDAL: Marcus Aurelius was known for his moral integrity, and there are no significant scandals associated with his reign.
MILITARY RECORD: He was an accomplished military leader, leading campaigns against Germanic tribes along the northern frontier of the Roman Empire for nearly a decade and also campaigned against the Parthian Empire in the east. .
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Marcus Aurelius maintained good health throughout much of his life, although he suffered from various ailments in his later years.
HOMES: As emperor, he resided in the imperial palaces of Rome and occasionally traveled throughout the empire.
TRAVEL: Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor who spent a significant portion of his reign on the move. The vastness of the empire demanded his presence for military campaigns, diplomatic negotiations, and administrative duties.
Much of his travel was dictated by war. These campaigns took him far from Rome, to frontier regions and cities throughout the empire.
Beyond military concerns, Marcus Aurelius traveled to various provinces to address local issues, inspect infrastructure, and maintain stability.
His travels were about as glamorous as a root canal performed in a bumpy cart. Think freezing nights in drafty tents, questionable food options (mystery stew, anyone?), and the constant threat of catching whatever plague was doing the rounds in the Roman army. Not exactly a relaxing spa weekend.
DEATH: Marcus Aurelius died on March 17, 180 AD, in Vindobona (modern-day Vienna) while on a military campaign against the Marcomanni tribe. The exact cause of death is unknown, but the most likely culprit is the plague that was ravaging the Roman army at the time.
Marcus Aurelius was immediately deified by the Roman Senate, which was a common practice for Roman emperors. His ashes were returned to Rome and buried in Hadrian's Mausoleum, which is now known as Castel Sant'Angelo. The mausoleum served as a burial site for several Roman emperors and their families until it was sacked by the Visigoths in 410 AD.
His death marked the end of the Pax Romana, an era of relative peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire. He was succeeded by his son, Commodus, whose reign was far less stable.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Marcus Aurelius' legacy extends beyond his time. His philosophical writings and the image of the stoic emperor have captured the imagination for centuries.
Film and Television: He has been portrayed in numerous films and documentaries, including Gladiator (2000) and the television series Rome (2005-2007).
Literature: He appears as a character in historical fiction novels and is referenced in philosophical works.
Art: He is depicted in paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art.
ACHIEVEMENTS: Marcus Aurelius' reign was marked by both challenges and accomplishments.
Military Victories: Despite his preference for philosophy over warfare, he achieved significant military victories against Germanic tribes and the Parthians, securing the empire's borders.
Internal Stability: He maintained internal peace and stability within the empire during a turbulent period.
Economic Prosperity: The empire remained economically prosperous under his rule.
Philosophical Legacy: His most enduring achievement is his book Meditations. It remains a classic of Stoic philosophy and a source of inspiration for leaders and everyday people alike.
NAME Augustus. his full name was Gaius Octavius Thurinus until Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC, and Octavian was named in Caesar's will as his adopted son and heir. For the next seventeen years he was Gaius Julius Caesar. On January 16, 27BC he was given the name of Augustus meaning "venerable, grand, majestic," so until his death Augustus was known as Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus.
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Augustus is famous for being the founder of the Roman Empire and its first emperor. He brought an end to the Roman Republic and ushered in an era of relative peace and stability known as the Pax Romana.
BIRTH September 23, 63BC at Ox Heads, a small property on the Palatine Hill, very close to the Roman Forum in Rome.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Young Gaius lost his father, also confusingly called Gaius Octavius, when he was four. Pater came from a respectable but undistinguished family of the equestrian order and was governor of Macedonia before his death in 58 BC.
More importantly, his mother Atia Balba Caesonia was the niece of a certain Julius Caesar. In 45BC Augustus' Great Uncle Julius adopted him.
Once he became emperor Augustus claimed that he had been conceived through the divine intervention of the God, Apollo.
CHILDHOOD Augustus's childhood was marked by political upheaval and civil unrest in Rome. His family's connections to Julius Caesar exposed him to the complexities of Roman politics from a young age.
EDUCATION Augustus received a thorough education in rhetoric, literature, and philosophy, as befitting his status as a member of the Roman elite. He studied under prominent teachers and orators in Rome.
Augustus was learning the art of war with the army in Illyricum (Albania) when he heard Caesar had been killed and he had been named Caesar's successor.
CAREER RECORD His resume is as follows:
47BC Julius Caesar had Gaius raised to the college of Pontifices, a major Roman priesthood, at the age of 16.
44BC After the death of his Uncle Julius, Caesar's will caused a sensation when it came to light that the then Gaius Octavian was named as his successor.
Augustus initially ruled in triumvirate with his brother-in-law Marcus Antonius Caesar (who is better known to us as that bloke Mark Antony who got friendly with Cleopatra) and Lepidus (who had been Caesar's master of horse). it was agreed that Augustus controlled the West, Antony, the East and Lepidus Africa.
36BC Lepidus attempted to seize control of Sicily. Antony nipped in and took him captive.
31BC Augustus waged war against Antony after discovering his brother-in-law's will contained provisions for Cleopatra and thus two-timed him. He defeated Antony at Actium thus becomes sole leader and master of the Roman world. From then on he exercised a presidential type rule with a kitchen cabinet which included his third wife Livia.
30BC Augustus received the powers of a tribune, thus giving him the veto and control over assemblies.
APPEARANCE Augustus had a full flock of yellowish curly hair with two pincer shaped locks over his right eye. He was five and a half foot tall, handsome with a serene expression. A Roman nose and complexion half way between dark and fair. (3) Suetonius recorded that Augustus was “unusually handsome and graceful.”
Augustus was self conscious about his five foot six size - he used to wear platform shoes to make himself appear taller.
By Till Niermann - Wikipedia Commons
FASHION Once he became, emperor, Augustus was eager to re-establish traditional Roman values. He wore woollen clothes made by his wife to encourage women to return to their looms. In winter he wore no less than four tunics with a heavy woollen gown and beneath them a woollen chest-protector and woollen garters.
He decreed the compulsory wearing of togas in the forum.
Augustus wore a lot of purple coloured garments.
CHARACTER Augustus was known for his political acumen, diplomatic skill, and strategic vision. He was also noted for his pragmatism and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances in order to maintain his grip on power.
SENSE OF HUMOUR While Augustus had a reputation for seriousness and solemnity, he was known to appreciate wit and humor in others, even if he did not display it himself.
When a certain Roman noblemen died with huge debts, Augustus instructed his agent to buy at the estates auction the man's pillow. The emperor explained "that pillow must be particularly conducive to sleep if its late owner, in spite of all his debts, could sleep on it."
RELATIONSHIPS Augustus married three times. His first wife, Clodia Pulchra, was the step daughter of Mark Antony. they married for political reasons. Not much is known about their marriage and little information survives about Clodia. Their marriage was never consummated, and Augustus returned Clodia to her mother with a letter informing her that he was returning her in "mint" condition.
Augustus wed his second wife, Scribonia, again for political reasons and basically he hated her. She was older than him by several years and the marriage didn't last long. Augustus divorced her due to her constant nagging, and because he wanted to get hitched to the lovely Livia Drusilla. Scriboia bore Augustus, only natural child, Julia. Her birth occurred on the same day as Scribonia's divorce from Augustus on October 30, 39 BC.
Augustus married his one true love Livia on January 17, 38 BC, a union that would endure for an impressive 51 years until his death. The lovely Livia was beautiful, ruthless and a fashion icon. She was was well known for anointing herself with more oil than a piece of cod in a fish and chip shop.
Depiction of Emperor Augustus marrying Livia
The marriage occurred just three days after Livia gave birth to her second son, Nero Claudius Drusus, from her previous marriage. Livia's first husband, Tiberius Claudius Nero, was present at the wedding and even gave her away, a gesture that mirrored a father's role. The couple also waived the traditional waiting period for remarriage, an unusual practice at the time.
Their wedding day was marked by an auspicious omen: an eagle dropped a white hen carrying a laurel branch into Livia's lap, a symbol interpreted as a sign of fertility. This marriage was considered a departure from Roman norms, as it was believed to be founded on genuine love rather than political expediency. Augustus reportedly fell in love with Livia at first sight, captivated by her intelligence, wit, and political acumen. Despite facing the disappointment of a single pregnancy that ended in miscarriage, their union remained strong throughout their lives.
Livia became a trusted advisor to Augustus, significantly influencing his policies and advocating for others. She was widely admired for her dignity and intelligence, serving as an exemplar of traditional Roman virtue. Their marriage not only united two prominent Roman clans but also proved to be a politically astute decision for Augustus.
Livia bore him no children but she did bring to their marriage two sons, Tiberius and Drusus Germanicus (who served as a general under Tiberius), by a previous marriage. Drusus died during his reign, leaving Tiberius, to succeed Augustus. Livia lived to the grand old age of 71, which was exceptional in times when the average life expectancy was 45 years.
Bust of Livia Musée Saint-Raymond
Augustus' daughter Julia was prominent as an adulteress, despite marrying the Roman general Marcus Agrippa. She lived in a highly extravagant and depraved life style so her father banished her in 2BC to the barren island of Pandateria and he never allowed her name to be spoken again in his presence. She never returned to Rome.
On the death of Augustus' second grandson in 4AD, (the other one died in 2AD) he adopted formally his stepson Tiberius and his friend Agrippa's son Agrippa Postumus.
Among Augustus' friends were the poets Ovid, Horace and Virgil as well as the historian Livy.
MONEY AND FAME Augustus amassed vast wealth and power during his reign as emperor, becoming one of the most influential figures in Roman history.
Augustus lived a simple lifestyle, (well, relatively simple for a Roman emperor)
He held lotteries to help finance building projects and to give away property and slaves during Saturnalian feats and other entertainments.
Roman rulers understood little about economics, and Augustus was no exception. Like all the Emperors, he over-taxed agriculture and spent the revenue on armies, temples, and games. Once the Empire stopped expanding, and had no more loot coming in from conquests, its economy began to stagnate and eventually decline. The reign of Augustus is thus seen in some ways as the high point of Rome's power and prosperity.
FOOD AND DRINK Famously sober, Augustus only drunk three cups of wine with his meal. (They would have been diluted with water).
Augustus didn't have a large appetite but was very fond of asparagus and originated a saying, "Quicker than you can cook asparagus.” In the Roman Empire asparagus was not only eaten in season but was dried for later use. Apart from asparagus the emperor preferred the food of the common people and his diet consisted of coarse bread, a little fish, cheese and green figs.
MUSIC AND ARTS Augustus was a patron of the arts and encouraged the development of literature, poetry, and architecture during his reign. He sponsored the construction of many public buildings and monuments in Rome.
LITERATURE Augustus himself was a writer known for his simple and direct style. He published an account of his reign My Achievements, a much fatter tome than some of his successors.
His reign was known as the "Augustian Age", and a golden age for literature- Horace, Livy, Ovid, Virgil etc.
Augustus' pal Virgil was commissioned to transform existing fables into a coherent masterpiece supplying Augustus' Julian ancestry with a mythical warrant. Thus Virgil wrote The Aeneid.
NATURE Augustus had a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the Italian countryside, which he often visited for leisure and relaxation.
His subjects would train birds which make complimentary greetings to his royal purpleness. Augustus would then bury them.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Augustus enjoyed various leisure activities, including hunting, horseback riding, and games of dice and cards.
Augustus was quite a weakling, chronic illness preventing him from exercising too much and marching with his armies. To him the words "run" and "fun" were opposites. Running was something to do when your enemy is chasing you with a knife.
He insisted on personally teaching his adopted sons to swim.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Augustus had a keen interest in science and mathematics, particularly in their applications to engineering and architecture.
I know its not really science or maths but Augustus renamed the 30 day month of Sextiles giving it the name of August to honour himself. He chose August as it had been his most successful month, in that month he had began his consulship, tamed Egypt and ended civil wars. Augustus took a day from February (which originally had 29 days every year) and added extra day to August so that his month would be on a par with July which had been named after Julius Caesar.
Augustus had a giant sundial built in 9BC with two feet truck marble slabs. Its face nearly covered three acres. It indicated hours, days and months of the year and direction of prevailing winds. Its hand was a 100 foot high Egyptian obelisk. After a few years the obelisk went out of time.
REIGN By 27 BC, Gaius Octavius, later known as Octavian, had defeated all of his major rivals in a series of civil wars (notably Mark Antony and Cleopatra in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC). He controlled the military, the government, and the provinces, making him the most powerful figure in Rome.
Octavian presented himself as a restorer of the Republic, ostensibly transferring authority back to the Senate and the people. In reality, he retained control over key provinces and the army, ensuring his dominance while maintaining a façade of republican governance.
Octavian was given the title "Augustus" by the Roman Senate on January 16, 27 BC. This marked the formal beginning of his reign as the first Roman Emperor and the start of the Roman Empire, transitioning from the Roman Republic.
A depiction of Octavian being awarded the title "Augustus" by the Roman Senate
"Augustus" (derived from "augere," meaning to increase or to honor) carried religious and moral connotations, suggesting reverence and divine favor. It implied a position of supreme dignity without directly appearing monarchical. The title avoided terms like "king" or "dictator," which were politically sensitive and unpopular in Rome.
The Senate awarded the title to solidify Octavian's position and secure political stability. After years of civil war, the Senate and people desired peace, which Octavian promised to deliver through his leadership.
Augustus was named Pontifex Maximus on March 6, 12 BC after the death of Lepidus, the last holder of the title from the Second Triumvirate. By assuming this role, Augustus incorporated the position of Pontifex Maximus into that of the Emperor, making the office a permanent part of the imperial title. This move further solidified the emperor's religious authority, as the Pontifex Maximus was the chief priest of the Roman state religion, overseeing religious practices and maintaining the pax deorum (peace with the gods).
Augustus named Pontifex Maximus
From Augustus onward, all Roman emperors held the title Pontifex Maximus until Gratian renounced it in 382 CE, separating imperial power from pagan religious authority
A shrewd and pragmatic ruler, Augustus implemented numerous reforms that transformed Roman society. He established a well-organized administrative system, including efficient tax collection and a robust welfare program. He also introduced crucial public services such as a water supply system, a fire brigade, and a professional police force.
Conscious of his historical image, Augustus commissioned his "Res Gestae," a carefully crafted account of his accomplishments, to be disseminated throughout the empire after his death. This self-authored legacy, while strategically omitting his failures, provides invaluable insights into his reign and his vision for Rome.
Augustus's reign, often dubbed the "Augustan Age," ushered in a golden era for Roman literature, nurturing the talents of literary giants like Horace, Livy, Ovid, and Virgil. To solidify his legacy, he renamed the month of Sextilis to August, commemorating his numerous triumphs, including his consulship, the conquest of Egypt, and the end of civil wars.
PHILOSOPHY A champion of traditional Roman values in an age of increasing permissiveness, Augustus sought to uphold the sanctity of marriage and family. He launched a moral crusade against divorce, adultery, and promiscuity, emphasizing the importance of childbearing. While his efforts met with limited success, his emphasis on family values remains a significant aspect of his legacy.
Augustus strongly supported the worship of Roman gods, especially Apollo, and depicted Roman defeat of Egypt as Roman gods defeating Egypt's. He sponsored Vergil's Aeneid in the hope that it would increase pride in Roman heritage.
The emperor forbade his own deification as he didn't want to upset the upper class Romans, but willingly received all the marks of piety bestowed upon him.
Augustus is mentioned in the Bible in a clear example of a non-believer fulfilling God's will. His decree mandating a census across the Roman Empire compelled Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, fulfilling the biblical prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace. Thus the prophecy about the Messiah being born in Bethlehem in the Old Testament book of Micah (Chapter 5 v 2) was fulfilled.
Augustus was not unfriendly towards the Jews and respected their worship and institutions.
He was very superstitious about putting left shoe on before right.
It could be argued that Augustus was a sort of early pope (bear with me) . As the head of the Roman state religion., he was given the title Pontifex Maximus (high priest), which is now used by popes.
SCANDAL Augustus's reign was not without scandal, including political intrigue, allegations of corruption, and family disputes. However, he maintained a carefully cultivated image of moral rectitude and piety throughout his life.
Augustus' daughter Julia was a fixture in the Roman gossip columns. A blatant adulteress, she lived a highly extravagant lifestyle so her father banished to a barren island.
MILITARY RECORD After pacifying Spain and Gaul and annexing Egypt, Augustus' modus operandi in his later years was diplomacy rather than outright war. The final years of his emperorship, known as "Pax Romana," was the most peaceful period Rome had had in centuries. He did this by restoring unity and orderly government to the realm after nearly a century of civil wars.
Also, Augustus bought the army into the 0th century by making it a profession with fixed pay and length of service and a permanent fleet.
Here's a very brief summary of Octavian's august military record:
The Battle of Actium was a naval battle fought between Octavian's maritime fleet, led by Marcus Agrippa, and the combined fleets of both Mark Antony and Cleopatra. It took place on September 2, 31 BC, off the coast of Actium in Greece. The battle began with Antony’s forces attempting to break through Agrippa’s blockade. However, Octavian's fleet managed to outmaneuver and encircle Antony’s ships. The tide turned decisively when Cleopatra, with a portion of the fleet, withdrew from the battle, followed by Antony, leaving the remaining forces demoralized and leaderless.
The Battle of Actium, by Laureys a Castro, painted 1672, National Maritime Museum, London
The Battle of Alexandria, a prolonged conflict lasting from July 1 to 30, 30 BC, marked the final showdown between Octavian and Mark Antony during the Roman Republic's twilight. Antony, weakened by the catastrophic defeat at Actium where he lost his fleet and much of his army, had retreated to Egypt. Despite initial successes in defending Alexandria, Antony's forces were gradually eroded by desertions. Octavian, seizing the opportunity, launched a decisive invasion in early August, culminating in the suicides of Antony and Cleopatra.
And a tragic end:
9AD His three finest legions, 15,000 men, led by General Varus were annihilated in the Teutoburg forest, Germany by the German chieftain Arminus' men. As a result Augustus died a broken man. He refused to cut his beard of hair for several months and walked about muttering "Varus, give me back my legions".
HOMES A lover of architectural splendour, Augustus claimed "I found Rome brick and left it marble", referring to improvements to Rome during his time at the top. He imposed a height limit of 80ft on tower blocks within Rome.
Augustus built his mansion on Palatine Hill, from which came the word, "palace".
He had a summer villa at Capri on the Mediterranean.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Augustus maintained a relatively robust constitution throughout his life, despite occasional bouts of illness and injury.
DEATH Augustus died on August 19, 14 AD, at the age of 75. After becoming ill en route to his summer villa, Augustus stopped at Nola, his parental home, where his father had died 60 years before. His friends gathered round him, charioteering across from Rome. The dying emperor mumbled "Have I played the part well? Then applaud as I exit" ("Acta est fabula, plaudite").
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Augustus has been depicted in numerous works of art, literature, and film, often as a central figure in the history of ancient Rome
1. Augustus features in two William Shakespeare plays, Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra.
2. Brian Blessed played Augustus and Sian Phillips Livia in BBC's 1971 adaption of Robert Graves' novel I Claudius.
3. Max Pirkis played Julius Caesar's adopted successor Octavian Augustus in the 2005-07 HBO series Rome.
ACHIEVEMENTS Augustus's most significant achievement was his establishment of the Roman Empire and his role in shaping the course of Western civilization.
1. Augustus introduced to Rome water system, fire brigade, a police force, professional army an efficient administrative system including gathering of taxes and reorganised the welfare system including the distribution of corn. 2. His reign inspired many purple passages amongst Horace, Livy etc. 3. His grateful subjects awarded Augustus the title "Pater Patriae" (Father of his country) and on his death made him a god (Divus Augustus) 4.. Gave the world the month of August.
WHAT FAMOUS FOR St. Augustine of Hippo is famous for his theological writings, particularly his autobiographical work Confessions and his philosophical exploration of Christianity, City of God. He is also known for his influence on Christian theology, particularly in the areas of original sin, grace, and the nature of the church.
BIRTH Saint Augustine of Hippo was born on November 13, 354 in Thagaste, now Souk-Ahras in Algeria. (A little town in the hill country of Numidia in modern day Carthage).
FAMILY BACKGROUND Augustine's father was Patricius, a coarse, hot tempered character who was unfaithful to his wife. A man of modest means, he owned a few acres of land and was baptised on his deathbed in AD371.
Augustine's mother was Monica (actually Saint Monica). In her younger days Monica was no saint, she was often drunk but a reprimand from a servant paved the way for her conversion to Christianity and the adoption of a more pious lifestyle. Her feast day is May 4th.
CHILDHOOD Augustine's childhood was marked by his education in rhetoric and literature, as well as his early exposure to Christianity through his mother.
Augustine admitted in his autobiography Confessions, that as a boy he "told lies to my tutors, my masters and my parents all for the love of games and the craving for stage shows." Young Augustine also stole pears from a neighbour’s tree, the sin troubled him for the rest of his life.
EDUCATION Augustine started off at school at Tagaste before going to Madaura between 365-369. There he excelled and enjoyed all literary education except Greek. However he was not overly fond of school.
Saint Augustine Taken to School by Saint Monica, by Niccolò di Pietro, 1413–15
370-374 Augustine studied rhetoric at Carthage. A neighbour paid for his fees, however he got into a bad crowd. Its not known if this involved any stealing of pears.
CAREER RECORD Here is Augustine's CV: 373 -374, Augustine taught grammar at Tagaste. 375-383 Taught rhetoric at Carthage, then handed in his notice as he had heard that the students in Rome were better behaved than their loutish counterparts in Paris or Carthage. The students in Carthage were prone to cheating the teachers of their fees. 383 Taught rhetoric in Rome. 384-386, A professor of rhetoric for the imperial court at Milan 386 Converted to Christianity and renounces his career as a "gossip merchant". 386-389 Recovers from ill-health and returns to North Africa. 389-391 Set up Monastic community in Tagaste 391 Ordained Priest whilst visiting Hippo. To prevent any misunderstanding I'd better make clear that my references to Hippo in this Trivial Biography relate to the ancient name of the modern city of Annaba, Algeria, rather than a large African mammal which live mainly in and near water 395 Appointed Coadjutant Bishop to Valerius 397-430 Bishop of Hippo, where his orthodoxy prevented Catholicism being unduly influenced by alternative teaching. Augustine spent most of his time preaching and writing including his august tomes 397-401 Confessions and 413-426 City Of God.
APPEARANCE The man from Hippo was slim, clean shaven, shaven haired, sharp features. If you go by his paintings he was very fair for a North African.
The earliest known portrait of Augustine in a 6th-century fresco, Lateran, Rome
Pope John Paul II was once so taken by the French actor Gerald Depardieu’s resemblance to Augustine that he asked the French actor to impersonate the saint on a world tour.
FASHION As a prominent figure in late antiquity, Augustine would have dressed according to the fashion of his time, likely in robes or tunics befitting his status as a scholar and bishop.
CHARACTER Sensual in his younger days, after his conversion he was sensitive, humble, a spellbinding, literate speaker. A master of rhetoric, Augustine spoke in Latin in the Berber dialect of his mother.
SENSE OF HUMOUR While Augustine's writings are not known for their humor, he did possess a keen wit and a talent for satire, as evidenced in some of his polemical works.
When asked what God was doing before he created Heaven and Earth, Augustine retorted, "He was creating Hell for people who ask questions like that."
Augustine is partly to blame for the fallacy that Christians have a problem with fun. He confidently asserted that there was "no frivolous jollity" in Paradise.
RELATIONSHIPS AND FAMILY Augustine never married but he had several lovers prior to his conversion to Christianity. He later confessed that as a youth, he had the "most wicked sins of evil lusts."
Augustine became a single father at the age of 18, (a son called Adeodatus meaning "a gift of God") when studying in Carthage, and he lived with his lover (her name in not known, but Augustine referred to her as "The One") for the next 14 years, until his mother found him an heiress to marry in Milan.
Augustine said when he had to give up his lover to make a society marriage in Milan, "his heart ran blood with grief" as she went off to Africa, perhaps to a convent. However, as he had to wait two years until his fiancée came of age (she was only 11!) he took on another mistress. The flighty so and so then changed his mind about the young heiress and also left his second mistress. It was then that Augustine converted to Christianity and was during this period that he uttered his famous prayer, "give me chastity but not yet."
By the time he was able to marry her, however, he had decided to become a Christian priest and the marriage did not happen.
Augustine was baptized, along with his son Adeodatus, on Easter Vigil on April 24-25, 387 in Milan. His baptism took place in Milan, presided over by Bishop Ambrose of Milan. Augustine recorded his entrance into the church thus: "And we were baptized and all anxiety for our past life vanished away."
After his conversion Augustine had a forceful distrust of the flesh and was influential in persuading Christians that sex is sinful. He commented shortly after his conversion: "I have decided that there is nothing I should avoid so much as marriage. I know nothing which brings the manly mind down many heights more than a woman’s caresses and that joining of bodies without which one cannot have a wife." (1).
Augustine had a close and loving relationship with his mother, Monica, whose prayers and guidance played a significant role in his conversion to Christianity.
Saint Augustine and his mother, Saint Monica (1846) by Ary Scheffer
MONEY AND FAME Augustine's fame came primarily from his intellectual and theological contributions to Christianity rather than from wealth or worldly success.
As the Bishop of Hippo, Augustine led a community lifestyle and did not own any possessions.
FOOD AND DRINK Augustine's dietary habits were likely typical of his time and place, consisting of simple, Mediterranean fare such as bread, olives, and fish. He was known to enjoy wine in moderation.
Augustine once denounced the vegetarianism and teetotalism of the Christian Manichaean sect: "who would think they sinned if they took a little bacon and cabbage with a few mouthfuls of pure wine, but will be served at three in the afternoon with every kind of vegetable; the most exquisite of mushrooms and truffles flavoured with a wealth of spices." Contrarily in a letter to his sister’s nunnery he recommend abstinence from meat and drink.
MUSIC AND ARTS
Post-conversion, Augustine was somewhat black and white in his artistic tastes. He was more partial to singing, "To sing is to pray twice," than poetry, "Poetry is devil's wine", or the theatre, "The theatres, those cages of uncleanness and public schools of debauchery."
However the Hippo bish was still cautious about music, "When I happen to be moved more by the singing than what is sang, I confess to have sinned grievously & then I wish I had not heard the singing."
Tradition has it that whilst Augustine was being baptised by Saint Ambrose, the two of them improvised the "Te Deum Laudamus" (We Praise Thee O Lord) in alternate verses.
LITERATURE Augustine loved books from a young age. A prolific, persuasive and stylish writer, whose style was greatly influenced by the Roman writer Cicero, he carried on writing even when old enough to qualify for his chariot pass.
Augustine wrote about 230 books and treatises and in addition around 350 of his sermons survive today. The Church was greatly indebted to his defence of the Gospel.
His two masterpieces are:
397-401 Confessions Augustine's spiritual autobiography, a prose poem addressed to God spread over 13 books. It told the honest, objective story of his childhood and education, his worldly ways, his search for truth, his heretical views at this stage and his conversion to Christianity. Augustine wrote a follow up Retractions about his later life, shortly before his death. In his book he recounts the sins of his youth and how even his prayers of repentance were tainted with insincerity-"Give me chastity, but not yet."
413-426 City of God Augustine's epic tome, split over 22 books, it took him 13 years to complete. Basically it was an answer to the question of why did God allow Rome to fall to the barbarians so soon after enveloping Christianity. Rome's fall was the biggest blow for civilisation until Mrs Putin gave birth to a baby boy whom she named Vladimir.
Augustine argued that there were two cities, one earthly, Rome, which was bound to pass away in time and the other the City of God, heavenly, founded on goodness and justice which will survive the onslaught of the enemy, and will last eternally. Augustine encouraged the church to have its own empire with the Pope as king. Influenced by this, later the Pope took the emperor’s title "Pontiff" and wore the emperor's imperial robes.
423 A letter that Augustine wrote to a community of women became the main basis for the Augustinian religious communities.
NATURE Augustine often drew on images and metaphors from nature in his writings, using them to illustrate theological concepts and spiritual truths.
Here's a surprise- Augustine believed in evolution. Well, he thought that some species of plants and animals had developed from earlier creations.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Augustine's interests were primarily intellectual and spiritual rather than recreational.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Augustine was familiar with the science and mathematics of his time, but his primary focus was on theology and philosophy.
Augustine once wrote: "The good Christian should beware of mathematicians and all those who make prophecies. The danger already exists that mathematicians have made a covenant with the devil to sparken the spirit and to confine man in the bonds of hell." Sounds like to me that Augustine had a disagreeable maths teacher at school. Despite his anti-mathmatical opinions, he used a great deal of numerology in his commentaries.
In Book 11 of Confessions Augustine recorded a startling, brilliant discovery. He came to see that God had not only created both time and space but had created them simultaneously and interdependently. This insight, which Augustine derived from meditation on the Bible, anticipated Einstein's theory of relativity by 1500 years. (2) So it could be argued that Augustine pioneered both Darwin and Einstein's theories- OK maybe I'm going that's going too far.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY In 386, Augustine converted to Christianity. Though he’d learnt the Christian faith from his mother, Monica, doubts had began to creep in as a result of his rhetoric studies and at the age of 19 a treatise by Cicero made him realize he should make truth his life search. For the following ten years he was attached to the heretical Manicheanism beliefs and during this time his concerned mother sent a certain bishop to debate with him. The prelate found Augustine to be too clever a disputant and the bishop counselled Monica to "content yourself with praying for him." She went to her charge weeping and he sent her away saying, "Go, continue as you have done till now; it is impossible that the son of so many tears should perish."
The Conversion of St. Augustine by Fra Angelico
Later Augustine found himself in Milan, where Bishop Ambrose's sermons began to speak to his heart but he was still too entwined in the world to convert. After reading an account of the lives of Anthony and other Egyptian hermits, Augustine was thrown into deep inner turmoil but he was still unable to break free. However whilst walking through his garden, he heard a child saying in a sing-song voice "Take it and read it." Under a fig tree, Augustine read Romans 13 v13-14 and in tears he finally found the Savior that his mother had told him about. "As if the light of peace was poured in my heart and all the shades of doubt faded away", he later wrote in his spiritual autobiography Confessions.
The following year Bishop Ambrose baptized Augustine in the Milan Easter vigil service on the night of Holy Saturday. In Confessions, Augustine described later the ceremony “I wept at the beauty of the hymns and canticles and was powerfully moved at the sweet sound of your churches singing…My feeling of devotion overflowed and the tears ran from my eyes and I was happy in them.”
Augustine returned to North Africa, where he converted his family home into a monastery for himself and a group of friends.
During a visit to the Mediterranean port of Hippo, 60 miles away, in 391, Augustine attended Mass where the local Bishop Valerius was preaching. The aged bishop, who was looking for an assistant, preached the need for another ordained man in the town. The church members decided they wanted Augustine for this post and Valerius agreed, however Augustine felt inadequate and declined. The congregation had none of protestations and he was jostled to the front of the church where he was ordained on the spot. He became a renowned preacher, his training in rhetoric came in handy and was noted for combating the Manichaean religion, to which he had previously adhered.
In 396 Augustine was appointed bishop of Hippo, in which position he remained until his death in 430. As the Hippo bishop, his orthodoxy prevented Catholicism being unduly influenced by alternative teaching.
The great theologian developed many Catholic doctrines helping make infant baptism, belief in purgatory and the teaching that there is no salvation outside the Catholic Church normal practice. In addition he encouraged ascetic monasticism and the use of relics. His teachings that no one can really love God or believe in him properly until the grace of God comes to them influenced Luther and Calvin.
SCANDAL In his early life Augustine devoted himself to idle pursuits, lust and adolescent mischief. "I became to myself a wasteland," he later recalled. Let us not forget that on one particularly scandalous occasion, Augustine stole some pears from a neighbour's tree.
Many Christians considered Augustine's doctrines of predestination and salvation through God's grace to be a disturbing innovation.
In the early Middle Ages it was believed (from Augustine’s teaching) that children were damned to hell unless they were baptised. This caused a great deal of grief to parents who’d lost their children.
Tragically many in the church misunderstood Augustine's book City of God as their interpretation of his tome is that the church should have its own empire ruled by bishops.
Augustine used Luke 14v 23 to justify the use of force in the suppression of rivals. This was later to influence the Inquisition.
MILITARY RECORD In AD 410 Rome was sacked by Barbarians. The people questioned why Rome, two decades after Theosidius had formally ended the public worship of pagan Gods, had fallen. Augustine wrote City of God to answer this tricky question.
HOMES 370 Moved to Carthage at the age of 17. 383-387 Lived in Rome then Milan with his Mother, girlfriend and Son. In the winter of 386-87 he stayed in a country villa in Classicalism nursing ill-health. It had been loaned by a friend. 389-91 Augustine settled in Tagaste with a few friends in a community thus introducing monasticism to Central North Africa. 391- 430 As Bishop he lived in a community with his cathedral community in Hippo, a small but not necessarily muddy seaport, now known as Annaba, sixty miles from his birthplace in Algeria.
TRAVEL Augustine traveled extensively throughout North Africa and Italy, both for educational purposes and in his capacity as a bishop and theologian. Apparently he hated travelling especially sea travelling.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Often sick, in the summer of 386 Augustine was forced to give up his academic position in Milan due to ill-health.
In his early writings Augustine argued that healing was meant for Jesus and the New Testament Christians only and that believers should not look for a continuation of the practice. Later, in his book Retractions he appeared to have changed his mind because of his experiences as Bishop of Hippo. He wrote: “I realized how many miracles were occurring in our own day and which were so like the miracles of old…how wrong it would be to allow the memory of these marvels of Divine power to perish from among our people.”
DEATH He passed away aged 76 in Hippo on August 28, 430, while the Vandals were besieging his Episcopal city. As he lay dying, Augustine had the penitential psalms copied on parchment and fixed to the wall of his room so he could read them from bed.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA 1. Augustine of Hippo A 1972 Italian film, which is meant to be quite good in an arty sort of way, it was directed by Roberto Rossellini. 2. Bob Dylan's "I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine" is a track from his 1968 John Wesley Harding album 3. Sting's "Saint Augustine in Hell" is featured on his 1993 Ten Summoners Tales album. 4. Botticelli's famous fresco Saint Augustine (1480) at the Church of the Ognissanti, Florence. (See Below). 5. El Greco's masterpiece, The Burial of Count Orgaz (1586) features Augustine, along with Saint Stephen looking down on Count Orgaz as his soul rises to Heaven. This painting can be found today in the Church of Santo Tome, Toledo, Spain.
ACHIEVEMENTS 1. Saint Augustine is recognised as the founder of the Puritan philosophy, 1000 years before it became en vogue. He laid out the lines between predestination and free will, grace and works.
2. The Hippo bishop is the patron Saint of Brewers, (no I'm not sure why). His feast day is 28th August. 3. Saint Augustine developed many Catholic doctrines- he helped make infant baptism normal practice. In addition he encouraged ascetic monasticism, the use of relics, belief in purgatory and the teaching that there is no salvation outside the Catholic Church. 4. He encouraged religious communities and inspired the Augustinians, who follow the rule of St. Augustine. Today there still exist about 100 Augustine communities. The Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, who looked after sick and injured pilgrims and crusaders were Augustinians . 5. Saint Augustine was one of the four original Doctors of the Church. 6. St. Augustine a 16th century settlement in Florida, is the oldest town in the USA. 7. More of Saint Augustine's words survive than those of any other writer of antiquity. 8. The City of God encouraged the church to have it’s own empire with the Pope as king.
WHAT FAMOUS FOR St. Augustine of Canterbury is famous for being a Benedictine monk who became the first Archbishop of Canterbury and played a crucial role in the Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England.
BIRTH St. Augustine was born around the year 540 AD in Rome, Italy. (sorry I can't be any more specific than that).
FAMILY BACKGROUND Little is known about Augustine's family background, but he likely came from a Roman family of modest means.
CHILDHOOD Details about Augustine's childhood are scarce, but it is presumed he grew up in Rome during a period of political and cultural upheaval in the Western Roman Empire.
He once spent six weeks just sleeping and drinking; the first six weeks of his life.
EDUCATION Augustine received a thorough education in Latin and Christian theology, likely within the Christian community of Rome. He later joined the Benedictine monastic order, where he would have received further theological training.
When Augustine got to England he found, due to the Britons’ ignorance of Latin, he had to build schools so that people could understand what was going on in the churches. After all Latin was the HOLY language.
Augustine founded Kings School Canterbury. It is the oldest still existing school in Britain and maybe the world
The Benedictine Abbey he established at Canterbury became the centre of learning and scholarship for all Europe.
CAREER RECORD Augustine was a respected Abbot of St Andrew Monastery in Rome, when in 595 AD, Pope Gregory the Great appointed him to lead a mission to England to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity.
597 Augustine arrived in Kent in 597 AD and was welcomed by King Æthelberht.
597-604 Consecrated Bishop of the English at Arles Cathedral, France. For the next seven years Augustine was the patriarch of the English Christians- indeed the first Archbishop of Canterbury.
APPEARANCE Augustine was Mediterranean looking, tall, distinguished. His lofty stature and patrician presence attracted every eye for he was "taller than any of the people from his shoulders and upwards."
Portrait labelled "AUGUSTINUS" from the mid-8th
century Saint Petersburg Bede
FASHION As a monk, Augustine would have worn simple robes in accordance with the Benedictine tradition. After being consecrated Bishop of the English, Pope Gregory the Great sent Augustine a cape of lamb's wool to denote he had been given jurisdiction over the whole nation.
CHARACTER Augustine was known for his piety and dedication to his mission of spreading Christianity. He was also noted for his diplomatic skills in dealing with both secular authorities and rival Christian faction
Augustine was an efficient organiser with dictatorial tendencies.
At times not exactly Captain Humble, on one occasion after boasting to Pope Gregory of the 10,000 English pagans he'd converted, Augustine was warned by the pope against being led into sin through boastfulness.
SENSE OF HUMOUR Little is known about Augustine's sense of humor, but as a devout monk engaged in serious religious work, he likely had a sober demeanor.
RELATIONSHIPS Augustine had a close relationship with Pope Gregory the Great, who appointed him as the leader of the mission to England. He also developed a strong bond with King Ethelbert of Kent, whose conversion to Christianity paved the way for the spread of the faith in England.
MONEY AND FAME Augustine's fame came from his role as the leader of the mission to England and his subsequent establishment of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England. He lived a simple, monastic life and likely did not seek personal wealth or fame.
FOOD AND DRINK As a monk, Augustine would have followed the dietary restrictions of his order, which likely included abstaining from meat on certain days and limiting consumption of rich foods and alcohol.
Augustine encouraged the Britons to slaughter animals for their own food rather than sacrificing them to the devil.
MUSIC AND ARTS Augustine's primary focus was on preaching and teaching Christianity, rather than on music and the arts.
LITERATURE Augustine is known for his writings on Christian theology and ecclesiastical matters, although he did not leave behind a large body of literary work. The only surviving writings of Augustine are questions he asked Pope Gregory on behalf of the Anglo Saxons such as "Can expectant mothers be baptised?" He referred to the English in those writings as "uncouth"
The arrival of Catholic Christianity in Briton had a great impact on the English language. Words of Latin and Greek origins became used to express concepts and ideas that were new to Anglo Saxons. Examples of such terms are altar, angel, apostles, candle, disciples, martyr, mass, monk, pope, priest, psalm, shrine and toaster (only joking about the last one-just checking you're paying attention). Non religious terms of Latin and Greek origin that entered the English language at the time included cook, fever and school. (1)
The Bible sent by Pope Gregory the Gregory to Augustine for his English trip can be found in Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.
NATURE Augustine likely had an appreciation for the natural world as a reflection of God's creation, but little is known about his specific views on nature.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Augustine boasted of having put on a number of gladiatorial shows involving in total 10,000 men and 3,500 animals.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Augustine's education would have included a basic understanding of arithmetic and geometry, as well as the natural sciences as they related to theology.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Don't believe the stories that prior to Saint Augustine, the Britons were absolute beginners on Christianity. St Martins Church, Canterbury, was in working order before the tall Roman abbot arrived, in fact its font is reputed to be the one in which Augustine baptised King Ethelbert in.
Christianity had reached Great Briton in Roman times but the invading Angles, Jutes and Saxons in the 5th century had wiped it out in the eastern half of England. The Celtic Church in Wales and the West of England remained strong. What Augustine did was to introduce the Catholic Church to England.
Here is the story of Saint Augustine's mission. In 595 Pope Gregory I spotted some Angles (British) boys who have been bought to Rome and on being told they are pagan “angli” the pope exclaimed “They are not Angles but Angels”. Inspired he instructed Augustine, who was then a respected abbot, to lead a mission to convert Britain. “Certainly do not destroy the temples of the idols that the English have”, he wisely recommended, “sprinkle them with holy water and let altars be constructed.”
Augustine and his company of 40 monks from the See of St Peter and Paul got as far as Aix-en-Provence in France. So terrifying were the reports they heard of the savage Britons that the Catholic missionary returned to Rome for permission to give up the attempt.
Pope Gregory would have none of this yellow streak and ordered him to carry on. They recruited an interpreter in France and finally in 597 Augustine landed in Kent at Ebbsfleet on the east coast of Kent with his 40 monks. There he met King Ethelbert, King of Kent, whose Frankish wife, Bertha was a Christian.
Ethelbert was originally very suspicious of Augustine as he was brought up to believe priests practised magic. Rumour had it that Augustine could make tails grow on the backs of those who displeased him. Ethelbert met the tall Roman abbot in the open air rather than under cover to protect himself against the abbot's magic.
The king listened patiently to the abbot’s sermon and promised the monks shelter and protection at Canterbury. He considered the claims of the Catholic missionary for a time before converting and on June 2, 597 he was baptized.
Ethelbert permitted Augustine and his team of monks to settle and preach in his capital of Canterbury where they used the church of St Martin's for services.
Augustine sent a report of this encouraging progress to the Pope and Gregory responded by dispatching more missionaries to help with the work.
By the end of the year there were around 10,000 converts and Augustine travelled to Arles in France, where he was consecrated. He established his HQ at St Martins Church Canterbury which became Canterbury Cathedral. Before Augustine's arrival, Bertha had used the church to pray daily.
In 603 a conference was planned between seven Celtic bishops who were accompanied by their learned men and Augustine to discuss whether the Celtic church should continue to follow their own traditions or those that Augustine has introduced to South East England.
A holy and prudent hermit told the bishops that they should only listen to Augustine if he is truly a man of God. If this were the case he would rise from his seat to greet them showing himself to be meek and lowly of heart rather than proud. The bishops regarded this to be good advice but when they arrived, Augustine remained in his seat. The Celts becamee angry perceiving him to be a proud man and the discussions got nowhere. (2)
The following year Augustine died. He has been unable to take his message outside the south or east of England as the Celtic Christians in the west half of Britain wanted to remain independent of this new Catholic Church. However King Ethelbert, King of Kent, was instrumental in converting the neighbouring King Sabert of the East Saxons in whose territory he built the cathedral of St Paul in London.
England was finally won over by 680, the Isle of Wight being the last area to succumb to the Catholic faith . It wasn't until 786 that the Pope sent anyone else to the British Isles.
SCANDAL There are no recorded scandals associated with Augustine of Canterbury.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Little is known about Augustine's health, but as a monk, he likely lived a disciplined and healthy lifestyle.
HOMES Back home in Rome, Augustine lived at St Andrew monastery. On arriving in Kent, a residence was assigned to Augustine and his 40 monks by King Ethelbert at Canterbury where they devoted themselves to monastic exercises and preaching. (Canterbury was actually then known as "Cant-wara-byru").
TRAVEL On their way to England every step of the way, Augustine and his party of 40 read the terrifying stories of the cruelty and barbarity of their future hosts. Augustine was "struck with a cowardly fear." By the time they reached Aix-en-Provence in France, the stories had become so frightening that for a time they turned back before they persuaded them to proceed on.
DEATH St. Augustine of Canterbury died on May 26, 604 AD, in Canterbury, England. The shrine containing Augustine's body disappeared from Chilham Church in 1541.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA St. Augustine of Canterbury has been depicted in various historical and religious texts, as well as in works of art depicting the spread of Christianity in England.
ACHIEVEMENTS Augustine's most significant achievement was his successful establishment of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England, laying the foundation for the Christianization of the country and the growth of the Church in the region.
1. Augustine was the first Archbishop of Canterbury and made Canterbury the seat of authority for the church in England. He provided the basis from which the parish system has grown. 2. Saint Augustine's feast day is May 26th in England (Anglican, Orthodox), May 27th (Catholic Church), or May 28th (Catholic Church outside England). 3. Augustine founded the first monasteries in Britain at St Peters and St Paul and St Augustines in Canterbury. 4. Augustine bought the Benedictine order to England. A number of Oxford and Cambridge colleges have a Benedictine origin. 5. The tall Roman abbot succeeded into making many Angles into right angles.
NAME: Saint Audrey (also known as Saint Etheldreda or Saint Æthelthryth of Ely)
WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Saint Audrey is primarily known for her piety, devotion to celibacy, and founding of the monastery at Ely.
BIRTH: Saint Audrey was born around the year 636 in Exning, Suffolk, England.
FAMILY BACKGROUND: Audrey was born into the Anglo-Saxon nobility. Her father, Anna, was King of East Anglia, and her mother was Saewara. Her siblings included saints Wendreda and Seaxburh
CHILDHOOD: Little is known about Audrey's childhood, but as a noblewoman, she likely received education suitable for girls of her status, focusing on household management, religion, and etiquette.
Daughter number four to King Anna of East Anglia, Audrey wasn't your typical princess. Forget about balls and marrying some prince charming. Nope, Audrey had her sights set on a higher power – literally. She swore a vow of staying single forever
EDUCATION: Audrey would have received education typical for noble girls of her time, which would have included instruction in Christian doctrine and basic literacy.
CAREER RECORD: Audrey's career was largely shaped by her religious devotion and commitment to the Church.
Queen of Northumbria (briefly) after marrying King Ecgfrith
Abbess of Ely Abbey, which she founded
APPEARANCE: While descriptions of Audrey's appearance are scarce, as a noblewoman, she would have likely adhered to the grooming and attire expected of her station. Below is Saint Æthelthryth of Ely from the Benedictional of St. Æthelwold, illuminated manuscript in the British Library.
FASHION: As a member of the Anglo-Saxon nobility, Audrey would have worn garments reflecting the fashion of her time, likely consisting of layers of tunics, cloaks, and veils.
CHARACTER: Saint Audrey was known for her piety, humility, and dedication to the Christian faith.
SENSE OF HUMOUR: There is little record of Audrey's sense of humor, but her life was more characterized by her religious devotion.
RELATIONSHIPS: Though twice married, because Saint Audrey had taken a vow of perpetual virginity she remained celebrate all her life.
Her marriages weren't exactly love matches. Think of them more like political alliances your parents pressure you into. But Audrey being Audrey, she managed to convince both husbands to respect her, ahem, "preferences."
Things got a little hairy with husband number two, Ecgfrith of Northumbria, who was fourteen or fifteen at the time., had a serious case of wanderlust (in his marital bed, that is). Audrey, wanting no part of it, hightailed it back to the Isle of Ely, a place that would become her spiritual sanctuary. Here, she founded a monastery and became its head honcho, the abbess.
She maintained close ties with her family, including her saintly sisters.
Audrey's most significant relationship was her spiritual commitment to God. She is said to have remained celibate throughout her life.
MONEY AND FAME: As a member of the royal family, Audrey would have had access to wealth and resources, which she later used to support religious causes.
FOOD AND DRINK: Audrey would have likely enjoyed the typical Anglo-Saxon fare of her time, consisting of grains, meats, vegetables, and ale.
MUSIC AND ARTS: As a noblewoman, Audrey may have had exposure to music and art, particularly within the context of religious ceremonies and patronage.
LITERATURE: Audrey's education would have likely included instruction in Christian texts, but her personal literary pursuits are not well-documented.
NATURE: Audrey may have had an appreciation for the natural world, as it was often seen as a reflection of God's creation in medieval Christian thought.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Audrey's life was largely focused on her religious duties, leaving little time for recreational pursuits.
SCIENCE AND MATHS: Audrey's education would have included basic arithmetic and practical mathematics but likely did not extend to the more advanced sciences of her time.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Audrey's life was deeply rooted in Christian theology, and her piety was central to her identity.
SCANDAL: There are no recorded scandals associated with Saint Audrey.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Audrey's health is not extensively documented, but her life of asceticism and devotion likely contributed to her overall well-being.
HOMES: Audrey's primary residence was likely her family's estate in Exning, Suffolk, although she later founded a monastery at Ely.
TRAVEL: Audrey likely traveled within the region, particularly for religious purposes, but extensive travel was uncommon for women of her time and station.
DEATH AND LEGACY: Saint Audrey developed a breast tumor, which she blamed on wearing rich necklaces of jewels as a child, and she died of it on June 23, 679, at the monastery she founded in Ely, Cambridgeshire,
The most venerated of all Anglo-Saxon female saints, Audrey was honored with the passing of years by the establishment of many sanctuaries, People flocked to her shrine (which is now Ely Cathedral) and even had a special fair in her honor. At this fair, they sold these delicate lace doodads called "St. Audrey's lace." Pretty harmless, right? Wrong. Over time, the quality went downhill, and "St. Audrey's lace" became synonymous with cheap, tacky junk. And that, is how we ended up with the word "tawdry."
Below is Saint Audrey's statue in Ely Cathedral
By Jim Linwood - originally posted to Flickr Wikipedia
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Saint Audrey has been depicted in various religious texts, hagiographies, and works of art throughout the centuries.
ACHIEVEMENTS: Founded Ely Abbey, a significant religious institution in England.
Venerated as a saint, inspiring religious devotion for centuries.
WHAT FAMOUS FOR W.H. Auden was one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. Known for his stylistic and technical achievement, his engagement with political and moral issues, and his broad range of subject matter.
BIRTH Auden was born on February 21, 1907, in York, England.
FAMILY BACKGROUND He was the third and youngest son of George Augustus Auden (1872–1957), a physician, and Constance Rosalie Auden (née Bicknell; 1869–1941), who had trained as a missionary nurse but never served in the role. His upbringing was strongly influenced by his father’s scientific interests and his mother’s Anglican faith. The family was upper-middle-class and intellectually inclined.
W.H. Auden had two older brothers: George Bernard Auden, who became a farmer and John Bicknell Auden, who was an English geologist and explorer, and later worked as an official with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
CHILDHOOD The family moved from York to Solihull in 1908 when W.H. Auden was just a year old. As a child, he was fascinated by Norse mythology, Icelandic sagas, and science—interests that would later surface in his poetry. He originally aspired to become a mining engineer before discovering his passion for poetry. He had a somewhat solitary childhood, which fostered his introspective nature.
EDUCATION Auden's formal education began at the age of eight when he was sent to St. Edmund's preparatory school in Surrey. At this school, he met Christopher Isherwood, who would later become a famous novelist in his own right.
At the age of thirteen, Auden moved on to Gresham's School in Holt, Norfolk. It was during his time at Gresham's that Auden first realized his vocation as a poet, specifically in 1922 when a friend asked if he wrote poetry1. His first published poems appeared in the school magazine in 1923.
In 1925, Auden entered Christ Church, Oxford University. Initially, he began with a scholarship in biology, reflecting his early interest in science. However, by his second year, he had switched to studying English. At Oxford, Auden was introduced to Old English poetry through the lectures of J.R.R. Tolkien.
During his time at Oxford, Auden formed connections with other notable literary figures, including Cecil Day-Lewis, Louis MacNeice, and Stephen Spender1. These relationships would later lead to the formation of the so-called "Auden Group," known for their shared left-wing views.
Auden's academic performance at Oxford was not particularly distinguished. He graduated in 1928 with a third-class degree in English. Despite this, his reputation as a poet and intellectual had already begun to grow during his university years.
CAREER RECORD 1930-1932 Schoolmaster at Larchfield Academy, Helensburgh, Scotland
1932-1935 Schoolmaster at The Downs School, Malvern Hills: 1932-19352
1935-1939 Freelance writer and journalist
1939 Moved to the United States
1941-1942 Taught at University of Michigan
1942-1945 Taught at Swarthmore College
1946 Became an American citizen
1956-1961 Professor of Poetry at Oxford University
APPEARANCE Auden was known for his striking and unconventional looks. In later life, his face was deeply lined and weathered, a result of heavy smoking, adding to his distinctive and craggy appearance.
Auden in 1956
FASHION He dressed in a somewhat disheveled manner, often wearing baggy, ill-fitting clothes. Comfort seemed to take precedence over style in his wardrobe choices.
CHARACTER Auden was highly intellectual and witty but could also be eccentric and contradictory. He was deeply religious but not dogmatic, politically engaged yet skeptical of ideologies. Friends described him as warm and generous, though occasionally gruff and impatient.
SPEAKING VOICE Auden’s voice was distinctive—resonant and slightly nasal, with an English accent that had acquired a slight American inflection after his move to the U.S. He was a skilled orator and reader of his own poetry.
SENSE OF HUMOUR W.H. Auden possessed a sharp wit and a keen sense of humour, often using irony and satire in both his poetry and personal interactions. His playful side was evident in his fondness for light verse and limericks, and he could be self-deprecating about his own work. Auden wrote various forms of light verse, including
(a) Clerihews, such as this one from "Academic Graffiti":
"Charles Dickens
Could find nothing to say to chickens,
But gossipping with rabbits
Became one of his habits."
(b) Short, aphoristic poems:
"Man would be happy, loving and sage
If he didn't keep lying about his age."
(c) Self-Deprecating Humor
"My first name, Wystan,
Rhymes with Tristan,
But – O dear! – I do hope
I'm not quite such a dope."
(d) Satirical Poetry
"Under Which Lyre" is a satirical poem that humorously critiques academic and bureaucratic culture:
"Thou shalt not do as the dean pleases,
Thou shalt not write thy doctor's thesis
On education"
RELATIONSHIPS Auden had a complex personal life, particularly regarding his romantic relationships. He was openly gay at a time when homosexuality was illegal in Britain. One of the most significant relationships in his life was with the poet Chester Kallman, whom he met in 1939. Though Kallman was not as devoted to Auden as Auden was to him, their relationship endured in various forms for decades. Auden also formed close friendships with many literary figures, including Christopher Isherwood and Stephen Spender.
Christopher Isherwood (left) and W. H. Auden (right) photographed by Carl Van Vechten, 1939
MONEY AND FAME Auden was both fascinated by and skeptical of wealth. He once wrote, "Of all novelists in any country, Trollope best understands the role of money. Compared with him even Balzac is a romantic."
Auden’s views on money were pragmatic—he valued financial stability but was never overly concerned with material wealth. Though he achieved fame as a poet, he often lived modestly, relying on fellowships, teaching positions, and book royalties to sustain himself.
Auden achieved considerable fame during his lifetime. By the early 1930s, some critics were already hailing Auden as the foremost poet writing in English, surpassing even T.S. Eliot and W.B. Yeats. His work had a global impact on English poetry, with critic Bergonzi noting it was "the last time that any British poet was to have such a global influence on poetry in English
FOOD AND DRINK W.H. Auden was a man of distinct and often self-managed habits, particularly regarding his consumption of alcohol and stimulants. He was a heavy drinker, famously distinguishing himself as "a drunk, not an alcoholic," and his daily routine included a ritualistic 6 PM martini, taken seriously. He also favored scotch and soda, and kept vodka by his bedside. For twenty years, beginning in 1938, he relied on amphetamines, specifically Benzedrine, each morning, and used Seconal to ensure sleep.
His dietary habits, while less meticulously recorded, included beer or a "plain martini" at lunchtime. He also occasionally served scrambled eggs to guests, suggesting this as a possible staple. Despite the appearance of unhealthy practices, Auden adhered to a rigorous daily schedule. He typically rose around 6 AM, began working by 7 AM, and continued until 11:30 AM, when he felt his mind was at its sharpest. He would then resume work after lunch, continuing into the late afternoon. This strict routine, coupled with his disciplined work ethic and punctuality, belied his reliance on stimulants. Auden viewed his use of amphetamines as a "labor-saving device" for his writing, though he was not blind to their potential dangers. (2)
POETRY W.H. Auden’s poetry career spanned over four decades, during which he was astonishingly productive, endlessly experimental, and sometimes a little bewildering. He could shift from sharp political commentary to tender love poetry to playful linguistic gymnastics with such ease that one had to wonder whether he ever actually stopped to sleep. His journey as a poet unfolded as follows:
EARLY CAREER (1928-1932)
Auden decided to become a poet in 1922, at the tender age of 15, which is an age at which most people are still struggling to remember their locker combinations. His first book, Poems, appeared in 1928, though “book” might be a generous term—it was privately printed in an edition so small (about 30 copies) that it makes modern limited-edition vinyl pressings look positively excessive. This was all thanks to his friend Stephen Spender, who, in addition to having a keen eye for poetic talent, also clearly had access to a printing press.
RISE TO FAME (1930-1939)
Auden’s real debut came in 1930 when Poems was properly published by Faber & Faber, thanks to the intervention of none other than T.S. Eliot, who, in addition to being a Nobel Prize-winning poet, also had an editorial job and could greenlight promising young writers. This book, which included the play Paid on Both Sides, helped cement Auden’s reputation as the voice of his generation. The Orators (1932) followed and confirmed that this young man in round glasses had an unsettling amount of talent.
POLITICAL POETRY AND COLLABORATION (1933-1938)
Auden spent much of this period being enthusiastically left-wing, at least in his poetry. In reality, he was less of a revolutionary and more of an observer, keenly aware that political slogans didn’t always translate into real-world solutions. He collaborated with Christopher Isherwood on three plays, proving that his talents extended beyond poetry to the world of theatre, though his political fervor remained, let’s say, flexible.
AMERICAN PERIOD AND RELIGIOUS THEMES (1939-1956)
In 1939, Auden shocked Britain by moving to the United States, which was akin to announcing that he was quitting his day job just as things were getting interesting. This was partly to escape his reputation as a political poet, partly to reinvent himself, and possibly because New York had better parties. Over the next two decades, his poetry took on more religious and philosophical themes, as seen in "For the Time Being" and "The Sea and the Mirror," suggesting that he had swapped political manifestos for theological debates.
LATER CAREER (1956-1973)
Auden’s later years were marked by an ever-growing interest in form and structure, as well as an increasing fascination with haiku and tanka—because, really, why not? From 1956 to 1961, he was Oxford’s Professor of Poetry, which mostly involved giving lectures every now and then in exchange for a prestigious title. His later collections, such as Homage to Clio (1960) and About the House (1965), reflected his continued desire to experiment, proving that even in his sixties, he had more poetic energy than most people half his age.
POETIC STYLE AND THEMES
Auden’s poetry is hard to categorize because he never seemed content to stay in one place for too long—intellectually, at least. He wrote about politics, love, history, religion, and the slow but inevitable decline of Western civilization, often with a wry, knowing tone. He had an uncanny ability to make serious subjects feel light, and light subjects feel profound. Bernard Bergonzi once noted that Auden was the last British poet to have a truly global influence on English-language poetry, which is both an impressive achievement and a slightly worrying indictment of what came after.
MUSIC AND ARTS After graduating from Oxford, Auden spent a year in Berlin. This experience exposed him to German language, poetry, cabaret songs, and plays, particularly those of Bertolt Brecht. (1)
Auden had a deep appreciation for music, particularly opera. He collaborated with the composer Benjamin Britten on works such as Paul Bunyan and Hymn to St. Cecilia. His love for music extended to his poetic rhythms, which often had a musical quality to them.
He also enjoyed visual art and had a particular admiration for Renaissance paintings.
In the 1930s, Auden worked briefly with documentary filmmakers, writing verse commentary for films like Night Mail.
LITERATURE Auden was a voracious reader and an insightful literary critic. His influences ranged from the English Romantic poets to modernist figures like T.S. Eliot. Interestingly, Eliot, as an editor at Faber and Faber, was responsible for publishing Auden’s poetry.
He maintained a large personal library with many books of poetry from around the world
He had a special fondness for detective fiction and once declared that The Complete Sherlock Holmes was one of his essential books.
NATURE Auden had a lifelong fascination with landscapes and the natural world, which often appeared in his poetry. He was particularly drawn to the rugged scenery of Iceland and the limestone country of England, both of which he visited and wrote about. His deep love for nature was not purely aesthetic—he also saw in it a reflection of human psychology and society.
PETS Auden's relationship with his pets influenced his writing: He wrote poems about animals, including "Talking to Dogs," which reflects on the nature of human-dog relationships.
Auden's attitude towards pets was affectionate and philosophical. He believed that pets, especially dogs, provided companionship and emotional support to humans. In "Talking to Dogs," he writes that dogs are "quicker to sense unhappiness" and that "in dark hours your silence may be of more help than many two-legged comforters"
Auden owned dogs. In "Talking to Dogs," he mentions a dog named Rolfi Strobl who was run over on June 9, 1970.
He was also fond of cats and was amused by their independent nature.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Auden was not particularly athletic, but he did enjoy walking, especially in natural landscapes that inspired his poetry.
He was also a devoted crossword puzzle enthusiast, often working on them as a form of relaxation. Auden often started his day by "taking a first pass at the crossword." (2)
His intellectual hobbies included collecting obscure books and studying theological and philosophical texts.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Auden had a strong interest in science, particularly geology, which he often referenced in his work. He admired the scientific method and believed that poetry and science were not opposing forces but rather complementary ways of understanding the world. His curiosity extended to mathematics, though he was not formally trained in the subject. He once remarked that the structure and precision of mathematics fascinated him, much like the formality of poetry.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Auden’s work was deeply influenced by his engagement with philosophy and theology. He was particularly drawn to the works of Søren Kierkegaard and St. Augustine, and his poetry frequently explored themes of sin, redemption, and human fallibility.
Though raised in a religious household, Auden drifted away from faith in his youth, only to return to Christianity in the 1940s. His later work reflects a preoccupation with the moral responsibilities of individuals in a complex world.
POLITICS Auden was politically engaged, particularly in his early career. In the 1930s, he was sympathetic to socialist ideals and traveled to Spain during the Spanish Civil War to support the Republican cause, though he did not engage in combat. Over time, his political views became more skeptical and nuanced. While he remained critical of authoritarianism and totalitarianism, he distanced himself from overtly political poetry, believing that art should not serve as mere propaganda.
SCANDAL Auden’s personal and professional life was not without controversy. His move to the United States in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II, led to accusations that he had abandoned Britain in its time of need. Some critics never forgave him for this, despite his insistence that he was following his personal and artistic instincts.
Additionally, his open homosexuality—illegal in Britain at the time—was a source of scandal, though he never made a public issue of it.
MILITARY RECORD In August 1942, Auden was called for the draft in the United States Army but was rejected on medical grounds. Despite his rejection, he contributed to the war effort in other ways, including working for the U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey and writing patriotic verse.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Auden was never particularly robust and had various health concerns throughout his life. He was a heavy smoker and relied on amphetamines to maintain his energy levels. His wrinkled face, even in middle age, became one of his most recognizable features, earning him the nickname “the wrinkled rock.” His later years were marked by declining health, exacerbated by his long-term habits of smoking and drinking.
HOMES Auden lived in several countries throughout his life, including England, the United States, and Austria. After moving to the U.S. in 1939, he eventually became a citizen in 1946. He spent his winters in New York City and his summers in Kirchstetten, Austria, where he found the peace and solitude necessary for writing. His various homes reflected his personality—often cluttered, filled with books, and welcoming to friends and guests.
TRAVEL Auden was a keen traveler, and his journeys deeply influenced his poetry. He visited Iceland in the 1930s, an experience that resulted in the travel book Letters from Iceland, co-written with Louis MacNeice. His travels also took him to China, Spain, and Germany, among other places. He had a particular fondness for Italy and Austria, where he spent much of his later life.
DEATH W.H. Auden died on September 29, 1973, in Vienna, Austria. He was 66 years old at the time of his death, which was caused by a heart attack in his sleep. Auden's passing occurred at the Altenburgerhof Hotel in Vienna, just hours after he had given a poetry reading for the Austrian Society for Literature at the Palais Pálffy.
Auden's funeral took place on October 4, 1973, in Kirchstetten, Austria, where he was laid to rest in the local cemetery. He had spent his summers in Kirchstetten since 1958, where he owned a farmhouse purchased with prize money from the Premio Feltrinelli award he received in 1957.
The poet's grave can be found in the Cemetery at Kirchstetten, Sankt Pölten-Land Bezirk, Lower Austria, Austria. His gravestone bears the simple inscription "POET : AND : MAN OF : LETTERS", reflecting his lifelong dedication to literature.
A year after his death, on October 2, 1974, a memorial stone for Auden was unveiled in Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey in London. The stone, which adjoins the grave of John Masefield and memorials to George Eliot and Gerard Manley Hopkins, was unveiled by Sir John Betjeman. The ceremony included readings by Sir John Gielgud and an address by Auden's friend Stephen Spender.
The inscription on Auden's memorial stone in Westminster Abbey reads:
WYSTAN HUGH AUDEN 1907-1973
In the prison of his days
Teach the free man how to praise.
Buried at Kirchstetten Lower Austria
The quote on the stone is taken from Auden's poem "In Memory of W.B. Yeats", a fitting tribute to a poet who had such a profound impact on 20th-century literature
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA W.H. Auden’s appearances in the media were as eclectic as his poetry—sometimes serious, sometimes eccentric, and occasionally bordering on the downright shambolic.
Auden’s deep, sonorous voice and professorial air made him a natural for radio and television, though he had a habit of mumbling and chain-smoking through interviews, which probably made some producers nervous. He appeared on the BBC from the 1930s onwards, offering poetic reflections on war, culture, and the general state of the world.
In 1936, the British documentary Night Mail (produced by the General Post Office Film Unit) featured his famous verse narration, turning an otherwise mundane account of postal trains into a lyrical masterpiece. If you ever wanted proof that poetry could make even mail sorting seem profound, this was it.
He also turned up on American television, including an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1969, which must have been quite the scene—one of the 20th century’s greatest poets casually chatting on a late-night variety show.
Auden’s poetry has been quoted, referenced, and recited in numerous films and TV series. Perhaps most famously, his poem "Funeral Blues" ("Stop all the clocks...") was recited in the 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral, which introduced an entirely new generation to his work—many of whom may have previously assumed poetry was something best left to school textbooks.
His influence also stretched into unexpected places, from Doctor Who references to discussions in academic documentaries.
Bob Dylan, a master of poetic lyrics himself, was once said to have been influenced by Auden’s work, though one imagines Auden might have raised an eyebrow at Dylan’s more abstract phrasing.
In addition to all the highbrow appearances, Auden’s distinctive face—marked by deep furrows that made him look about 300 years old by the time he hit 60—became the subject of fascination in the press. When asked about these striking wrinkles, he joked that they came from too much smoking and living in New York.
ACHIEVEMENTS Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1948).
National Medal for Literature (1967).
Professor of Poetry at Oxford University.
Significant and lasting influence on 20th-century poetry.
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