Eugippius
Male·5th century·Italy·Monasticism
Eugippius was a disciple and biographer of Saint Severinus of Noricum. Following Severinus's death, Eugippius transferred his remains and founded a monastery at Castellum Lucullanum. He is known for compiling a significant anthology of Saint Augustine's works and for his own scholarly writings.
Key Facts
- ›Disciple and biographer of Saint Severinus of Noricum.
- ›Founded a monastery at Castellum Lucullanum after Severinus's death.
- ›Compiled a 1000-page anthology of Saint Augustine's works.
- ›Likely involved in the revision of the Vulgate text of the Gospels.
- ›Authored other scholarly works of high quality.
- ›A monastic rule is ascribed to him, though later superseded by St. Benedict's.
the Life of Saint Severinus, Anthology of the Works of St. Augustine
5th Century, 6th Century
Noricum, Naples
Historian, Writer
About Eugippius
Eugippius (circa 460 – circa 535) was a significant figure in the early Christian period, primarily recognized as the disciple and biographer of Saint Severinus of Noricum. His life and work are important for understanding the transmission of hagiographical texts and the development of monasticism in the post-Roman West.
Life and Historical Context
Following the death of Saint Severinus in 482, Eugippius undertook the crucial task of moving the saint's remains to Naples. It was there that he founded a monastery at the Castellum Lucullanum, a site that would later become the Castel dell'Ovo. This act not only preserved the relics of St. Severinus but also established a center of religious and scholarly activity.
Eugippius's most direct contribution to the legacy of St. Severinus was his biography of the saint. He initially compiled accounts in a rudimentary form and sought the aid of a friend, Paschasius, for its literary refinement. However, Paschasius deemed Eugippius's own compilation to be superior and sufficient for describing the saint's acts and miracles.
Major Contributions
Beyond his biographical work, Eugippius was a prolific scholar. While residing in Naples, he compiled an extensive 1000-page anthology drawn from the works of the influential Church Father, Saint Augustine. This compilation served to disseminate Augustine's thought to a wider audience. Furthermore, Eugippius was likely involved in the revision of the Vulgate text of the Gospels, a critical task in standardizing biblical texts. He also produced other scholarly works of notable quality. A monastic rule is attributed to Eugippius, though its influence was eventually eclipsed by the Rule of Saint Benedict.
Legacy
Eugippius's primary significance lies in his role as the preserver and disseminator of Saint Severinus's life and teachings through his biography. His extensive anthology of Saint Augustine's works also marks him as an important figure in the preservation and transmission of patristic literature. His activities in Naples contributed to the religious and intellectual landscape of the region during a transitional period in late antiquity.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Eugippius?
Eugippius was a disciple and biographer of Saint Severinus of Noricum. He lived from approximately 460 to 535 AD and was a significant figure in early monasticism.
What is Eugippius most known for?
Eugippius is primarily known for his biography of Saint Severinus of Noricum, a work that preserved the life and deeds of the saint. He also compiled a large anthology of Saint Augustine's writings.
Where did Eugippius establish his monastery?
After the death of Saint Severinus, Eugippius took his remains to Naples and founded a monastery on the site of the Castellum Lucullanum, which is the location of the later Castel dell'Ovo.
Did Eugippius write other important works?
Yes, besides the biography of St. Severinus, Eugippius compiled a 1000-page anthology of Saint Augustine's works. He also produced other scholarly works and was likely involved in revising the Vulgate text of the Gospels.
Is there a monastic rule attributed to Eugippius?
A monastic rule is indeed ascribed to Eugippius. However, this rule was eventually superseded by the more widely adopted rule of Saint Benedict.
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