Anatolius of Laodicea
Anatolius of Laodicea was a Syro-Egyptian mathematician and bishop of Laodicea in the 3rd century. He was a prominent scholar in the physical sciences and philosophy, renowned as a computist and teacher. He is chiefly remembered for his pioneering work on the 19-year Paschal cycle, which influenced the calculation of Easter for centuries.
- Feast Day
- July 3
- Century
- 3rd century
- Country Or Region
- Egypt
Key Facts
- ›Anatolius was born in Alexandria, Egypt, in the early 3rd century and died on July 3, 283.
- ›He was a distinguished scholar in mathematics, astronomy, physics, rhetoric, and dialectic, and a teacher of the Neoplatonic philosopher Iamblichus.
- ›He is recognized for his treatise on the Paschal celebration and his famous 19-year Paschal cycle.
- ›Anatolius invented the first Metonic 19-year lunar cycle around AD 260, influencing the Alexandrian computus paschalis.
- ›He served as bishop of Laodicea on the Mediterranean coast of Roman Syria, taking office in AD 268.
- ›He is recognized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, with his feast day on July 3.
Anatolius of Alexandria
About Anatolius of Laodicea
Anatolius of Laodicea, also known as Anatolius of Alexandria, was a distinguished Syro-Egyptian mathematician and bishop who lived in the early to mid-3rd century AD. He served as Bishop of Laodicea on the Mediterranean coast of Roman Syria from AD 268. Anatolius was a foremost scholar of his era, recognized for his expertise in the physical sciences, as well as Aristotelian and Platonic philosophies.
Life and Scholarly Contributions
Born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt, Anatolius held considerable prestige as a senator before his ecclesiastical career. According to Eusebius of Caesarea, he possessed extensive knowledge in arithmetic, geometry, physics, rhetoric, dialectic, and astronomy, and was deemed worthy to lead the Aristotelian school in Alexandria. The Neoplatonic philosopher Iamblichus was among his disciples.
Anatolius is credited with significant mathematical works. Fragments of his ten-book treatise 'Introduction to Arithmetic' survive. He also authored a treatise on the timing of the Paschal celebration, and his famous 19-year Paschal cycle has been preserved in medieval Latin manuscripts.
Pioneering the Computus
Around AD 260, Anatolius invented the first Metonic 19-year lunar cycle, a critical development for the computation of Easter. This invention laid the groundwork for the Alexandrian computus paschalis, which would influence calendrical calculations throughout Christendom until the Gregorian calendar reform in 1582.
Historical Accounts
Eusebius recounts a notable incident where Anatolius helped resolve a rebellion in a part of Alexandria known as Bruchium. By negotiating with the Roman besiegers, he arranged for the safe passage of women, children, and the elderly, which ultimately led to the surrender of the rebels.
Anatolius was welcomed by the people of Laodicea and made their bishop. The exact circumstances of his succession to the see of Laodicea, and his relationship with Eusebius, are subjects of scholarly discussion.
Veneration
Anatolius of Laodicea is recognized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. His feast day, like that of Saint Anatolius of Constantinople, is celebrated on July 3.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Anatolius of Laodicea known for?
Anatolius of Laodicea was a renowned mathematician and bishop, best known for his pioneering work on the 19-year Paschal cycle. This cycle significantly influenced the calculation of Easter for many centuries across Christendom.
What were Anatolius's main scholarly contributions?
He was a foremost scholar in the physical sciences, Aristotelian and Platonic philosophies, and mathematics. His treatise on the Paschal celebration and his invention of the Metonic 19-year lunar cycle are particularly notable.
Where did Anatolius live and serve?
Anatolius was born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt. He later became the bishop of Laodicea on the Mediterranean coast of Roman Syria.
Who was Anatolius's most famous student?
The pagan philosopher Iamblichus studied among Anatolius's disciples. Anatolius was considered worthy to maintain the school of the Aristotelian succession in Alexandria.
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