Origins & Early Life

Peter Chrysologus (Greek: Ἅγιος Πέτρος ὁ Χρυσολόγος, Petros Chrysologos, "Peter the Golden-worded"; c. 380 – c. 450) was an Italian Christian prelate who served as Bishop of Ravenna from about 433 until his death. He is known as the "Doctor of Homilies" for the concise but theologically rich reflections he delivered during his time as the Bishop of Ravenna.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He is revered as a saint by the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church; he was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIII in 1729. Peter was born in Imola, where the local bishop Cornelius baptized him, educated him, and ordained him a deacon. He was made an archdeacon through the influence of Emperor Valentinian III. Pope Sixtus III appointed Peter as Bishop of Ravenna circa 433, apparently rejecting the candidate whom the people of the city of Ravenna elected. At that time Ravenna was the capital of the West, and there are indications that Ravenna held the rank of metropolitan before this time.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The traditional account, as recorded in the Roman Breviary, is that Sixtus had a vision of Pope Peter the Apostle and Apollinaris of Ravenna, the first bishop of that see, who showed Peter, a young man, the...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Nestorius — Contemporary (Born in 380) (380): Controversial theologian and Archbishop of Constantinople known for Christological disputes.
• Samudragupta — Contemporary (Died in 380) (380): Second Emperor of the Gupta Empire, known for vast military conquests in ancient India.
• Alan Parker — Shared historical date (07-31 · Died) (2020): Acclaimed English filmmaker known for genre versatility and numerous BAFTA and Golden Globe wins.
• Bill Russell — Shared historical date (07-31 · Died) (2022): Center for the Boston Celtics, a 12-time champion and basketball legend.
• Edmund Burke — Historical peer (Born in 1729) (1729): Founder of modern political conservatism, influential philosopher and statesman.
• Gotthold Ephraim Lessing — Historical peer (Born in 1729) (1729): Key figure of the German Enlightenment, influential dramatist and critic.
• Charlie Carver — Shared historical date (07-31 · Born) (1988): American actor and writer known for roles in Desperate Housewives and The Leftovers.
• Denis Diderot — Shared historical date (07-31 · Died) (1784): Enlightenment philosopher, co-founder of the Encyclopédie, and literary giant.
• Evonne Goolagong Cawley — Shared historical date (07-31 · Born) (1951): Australian tennis legend, ranked World No. 1, known for her dominance in the 1970s and 1980s.
• Franco Baresi — Shared historical date (07-31 · Died) (2026): Legendary Italian central defender, synonymous with AC Milan's golden era.
• 380 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 380
• 450 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 450
• July 31 (07-31) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 31