Saint Denis Converts Paris to Christianity
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History: The Ancient World, Prehistory-476
- Categories: Government and Politics, Religion, Ethics
- Subcategories: Christianity, Christians, Churches, Theology, Theologians, Murder, Homicide, Execution, Assassination, Catholic Church, Catholics, Saints, Prophets, Legends, Myths
- Curriculum: Medieval History/Middle Ages, French History, Ancient History
- Geographical Location: Gaul, Paris
- Date: c. 250
Article abstract: In Christian tradition, Saint Denis was named bishop of Paris c. 250 c.e. and martyred at some point thereafter; Paris, then the rest of Gaul, were converted to Christianity.
Summary of Event
The earliest reference to Saint Dionysius, who is known in France as Saint Denis or Saint Denys, is found in the “Vita Genovefae” (sixth century c.e.; life of Saint Geneviève) written by an anonymous author. It mentions a place several miles north of Paris called Catulacum, “where Saint Dionysius was martyred and buried.” However, the...
[The entire page is 993 words long]
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