Orosius

Paulus Orosius (born c. 375/385 – c. 420 AD), less often Paul Orosius in English, was a Roman priest, historian and theologian, and a student of Augustine of Hippo. It is possible that he was born in Bracara Augusta (now Braga, Portugal), then capital of the Roman province of Gallaecia, which would have been the capital of the Kingdom of the Suebi by his death. Although there are some questions regarding his biography, such as his exact date of birth, it is known that he was a person of some prestige from a cultural point of view, as he had contact with the greatest figures of his time such as Augustine of Hippo and Jerome of Stridon. In order to meet with them Orosius travelled to cities on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, such as Hippo Regius, Alexandria, and Jerusalem.

These journeys defined his life and intellectual output. Orosius did not just discuss theological matters with Augustine; he also collaborated with him on the book City of God. In addition, in 415 he was chosen to travel to Palestine in order to exchange information with other intellectuals. While there he participated at a Church Council meeting in Jerusalem and was subsequently entrusted with transporting the relics of Saint Stephen. The date of his death is unclear, although it appears to have not been earlier than 418, when he finished one of his books, or later than 423.

He wrote a total of three books, of which his most important is his Seven Books of History Against the Pagans (Latin: Historiarum Adversum Paganos Libri VII), considered to be one of the works with the greatest impact on historiography during the period between antiquity and the Middle Ages. Part of its importance comes from the fact that Orosius clearly demonstrates his historiographical methodology. The book is a historical narration focusing on the pagan peoples from the earliest eras up until the time when Orosius was alive.

Orosius was a highly influential figure both for the dissemination of information (History Against the Pagans being one of the main sources of information regarding antiquity until the Renaissance) and for rationalising the study of history (with his methodology greatly influencing later historians).