Orosius

Paulus Orosius (c. 375 – after 418), was a Hispano-Roman priest, historian, and theologian. He is best known for his historical work Historiae adversum paganos (Histories Against the Pagans), also known as Seven Books of History Against the Pagans.

Life:

Little is known definitively about Orosius's early life. He was likely born in Braga (Bracara Augusta), in what is now Portugal, then part of the Roman province of Gallaecia. He was a priest, possibly already holding that position before his journey to North Africa in 414. He travelled to Hippo Regius to consult with Augustine of Hippo regarding the theological challenge posed by Priscillianism and Origenism. Augustine was impressed by Orosius and encouraged him to write a book refuting Priscillianism.

In 415, Orosius traveled to Palestine to consult with Jerome in Bethlehem regarding the Pelagian controversy, seeking guidance on how to counter Pelagianism's growing influence. While there, he also participated in a synod in Jerusalem, where he accused Pelagius of heresy. However, the synod adjourned without condemning Pelagius.

Orosius returned to North Africa and is believed to have continued his theological and historical work. The date of his death is unknown, but it is believed to have been after 418.

Works:

Historiae adversum paganos: This is Orosius's most important and influential work. Commissioned by Augustine of Hippo, it aimed to demonstrate that the Christian era was not worse than previous eras, countering pagan claims that the sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 was a consequence of abandoning the ancient gods. The work is a universal history, beginning with the dawn of civilization and continuing up to Orosius's own time. While considered a significant source for the period, its accuracy has been debated, as Orosius often relied on secondary sources and presented events through a Christian theological lens. He argued that suffering and calamities had been common throughout human history, even before the rise of Christianity. The Historiae was widely read throughout the Middle Ages and influenced historical thought for centuries.

Commonitorium de errore Priscillianistarum et Origenistarum: A tract against Priscillianism and Origenism, written at Augustine's request.

Apologeticus contra Pelagianos: A defense of Augustine's views against Pelagianism.

De arbitrio libertatis: Another work addressing free will, likely connected to the Pelagian controversy.

Legacy:

Orosius's Historiae adversum paganos was a highly influential work during the Middle Ages, serving as a primary source of historical information and a framework for understanding history through a Christian perspective. It helped to shape medieval historical consciousness and contributed to the development of Christian historiography. While modern historians recognize its biases and limitations, it remains a valuable source for understanding the intellectual and theological climate of the early 5th century.