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LaktaciyA rhetorician from Africa, a student of Arnobius.
Country:
 Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Conversion
- The Christian Cicero
- Literary Output
- "On the Deaths of the Persecutors"
- "Divine Institutes"
- "On the Anger of God"
- "On the Workmanship of God"
Early Life and Conversion
Lactantius, an African rhetorician, was a student of Arnobius. In 303, he became a Christian.
The Christian Cicero
During the Renaissance, Lactantius was hailed as the "Christian Cicero" due to his eloquence and erudition. Emperor Constantine appointed him as a tutor to his son, Crispus, in 317, elevating his status.
Literary Output
Lactantius' literary legacy centered around defending Christianity amidst Rome's anti-Christian tendencies. His writings were characterized by their intellectual appeal and literary excellence, adhering to classical norms.
"On the Deaths of the Persecutors"
This polemical and apologetic work narrates the persecutions of Christians and the divine retribution inflicted upon the persecuting emperors. Its biased nature, while evident, provides historical insight into the early 4th-century persecution.
"Divine Institutes"
A comprehensive work, it explores the relationship between paganism and Christianity. Despite its apologetic slant, Lactantius' eyewitness account provides valuable historical information.
"On the Anger of God"
Lactantius argues against Stoic and Epicurean philosophies in this polemical work.
"On the Workmanship of God"
An apologetic text written in 303 or 304, it was dedicated to a wealthy Christian named Demetrian.
