Commodian
Commodian ( Latin Commodianus ) was an early Christian poet who may have lived as early as the 3rd century, but probably not until the 5th century.
There are different assumptions about its origin. His surname Gazaeus leaves on Palestine conclude its language considered as an indication of North African origin. He describes himself as a converted pagan, possibly being a Jewish proselyte before turning to Christianity .
Two didactic poems by Commodian have come down to us; the Instructiones adversus gentium and the Carmen apologeticum . Both works are partly doctrinal and partly apologetic- propagandistic in character. They contain admonitions for a Christian lifestyle in everyday life as well as polemics against people of different faiths. Commodian's works show that he knew numerous Christian authors (e.g. Augustine , Cyprian of Carthage and Tertullian ). He used a very popular language; his works cannot be assigned to the poetry of hymns (as founded by Ambrose of Milan ) nor to Christian art poetry, which is based on ancient models.
literature
- Eberhard Heck : Commodianus. In: Klaus Sallmann (ed.): The literature of upheaval. From Roman to Christian literature, AD 117 to 284 (= Handbook of Ancient Latin Literature , Volume 4). CH Beck, Munich 1997, ISBN 3-406-39020-X , pp. 628-637
- Karl Ludwig Leimbach : About Commodians Carmen apologeticum adversus Gentes et Judaeos , 1871
Web links
- Literature by and about Commodian in the catalog of the German National Library
- Opera Omnia by Migne Patrologia Latina
- Latin texts
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Commodian |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Commodianus |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | early Christian poet |
| DATE OF BIRTH | between 2nd century and 5th century |
| DATE OF DEATH | between 3rd century and 6th century |