Augustine of Hippo, St (354–430)

One of the early Christian leaders and writers known as the Fathers of the Church. He was converted to Christianity by Ambrose in Milan and became bishop of Hippo (modern Annaba, Algeria) in 396. Among Augustine's many writings are his Confessions, a spiritual autobiography, and De Civitate Dei/The City of God, vindicating the Christian church and divine providence in 22 books.

Born in Thagaste, Numidia (now Algeria), of Roman descent, he studied rhetoric in Carthage, where he became the father of an illegitimate son, Adeodatus. He lectured in Thagaste and Carthage and for ten years was attached to the Manichaeist belief. In 383 he went to Rome, and on moving to Milan came under the influence of Ambrose. After prolonged study of neo-Platonism he was baptized by Ambrose together with his son. Resigning his chair in rhetoric, he returned to Africa – his mother, St Monica, dying in Ostia on the journey – and settled in Thagaste. In 391, while visiting Hippo, Augustine was ordained priest, and in 396 he was appointed bishop of Hippo. He died there 430, as the city was under siege by the Vandals.

Augustine's written output was vast, with 113 books and treatises, over 200 letters, and more than 500 sermons surviving. Many of Augustine's books resulted from his participation in three great theological controversies: he refuted Manichaeism; attacked (and did much to eliminate) the exclusive North African Donatist sect at the conference of Carthage 411; and devoted the last 20 years of his life to refute Pelagius, maintaining the doctrine of original sin and the necessity of divine grace.