Augustine of Hippo
Also called: Saint Augustine · Topic: The Roman Empire · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "An Empire Across Three Continents"
Meaning
Augustine (354–430 CE) was bishop of Hippo, a town in North Africa. He was one of the greatest thinkers of the early Christian Church. His works include the Confessions and The City of God. His writings also help historians understand everyday life in the late Roman Empire, especially family life, the status of women and the condition of the poor.
Example
Augustine wrote that his mother was regularly beaten by his father, as most wives in his home town were. His letters also describe poor parents selling their children into servitude for 25 years.
Don't confuse with
- Ambrose: he was another fourth-century bishop, famous for standing up to harsh emperors. Augustine was bishop of Hippo in North Africa.