Sacred Atlas logoSacred Atlas

Dathus

Dathus was a Bishop of Ravenna during the late 2nd century. He is principally remembered for his miraculous election, marked by the appearance of a dove above his head. His remains may have been housed in a church that no longer stands.

Country Or Region
Italy

Key Facts

  • Dathus served as Bishop of Ravenna in the late 2nd century.
  • He succeeded the previous Bishop, Probus I.
  • His election was reportedly accompanied by a miraculous event: a dove appeared above his head.
  • According to Andreas Agnellus, Dathus's remains may have been interred in the Church of St. Probus in Classe.
  • The Church of St. Probus in Classe did not survive into the time of Andreas Agnellus.
Also Known As

Datus

Venerated In
Role Type
Relics Location
Church of St. Probus in Classe

About Dathus

Dathus, also referred to as Datus, served as the Bishop of Ravenna during the late 2nd century. His tenure as bishop is notable for the hagiographical account of his election.

Election and Tradition

According to historical accounts, Dathus was chosen to succeed the previous bishop, Probus I. His election was marked by a miraculous event: a dove appeared above his head, which was interpreted as a divine sign of his suitability for the episcopacy. This miraculous element is a key feature of his traditional narrative.

Veneration and Remains

Andreas Agnellus, a historian of Ravenna, noted that the remains of Dathus might have been preserved within the Church of St. Probus in Classe. However, this particular church did not survive into Agnellus's own era, making the exact location of his relics uncertain based on this account.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Dathus?

Dathus, also known as Datus, was a Bishop of Ravenna during the late 2nd century. He is remembered in ecclesiastical history for the circumstances surrounding his election to the episcopate.

What is Dathus chiefly remembered for?

He is chiefly remembered for the miraculous event that is said to have occurred during his election as bishop. A dove reportedly appeared above his head, signifying divine approval.

When did Dathus live?

Dathus served as Bishop of Ravenna during the late 2nd century. Specific dates for his birth or death are not provided in the historical accounts.

Where were Dathus's remains possibly kept?

According to the writings of Andreas Agnellus, the remains of Dathus may have been housed in the Church of St. Probus in Classe. However, this church did not survive into Agnellus's time.