When and where was Sidonius Apollinaris born?
Gaius Sollius Modestus Apollinaris Sidonius entered the world on the 5th of November in the year 430 within the city of Lugdunum, now known as Lyon.
Questions about Sidonius Apollinaris
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who did Sidonius Apollinaris marry and what political alliance resulted from this union?
In around 452, he married Papianilla, the daughter of Emperor Avitus. This union created a powerful political alliance that elevated his position significantly.
What role did Sidonius Apollinaris hold in Clermont during the Visigothic attacks?
Sidonius was elected to succeed Eparchius as Bishop of Averna or Clermont in Auvergne in 469. For three years spanning 473 to 475, he led the defense of Clermont against annual attacks by Visigothic armies under King Euric.
How many books of letters survive from Sidonius Apollinaris and how many individuals received them?
Nine books of Letters survive containing 147 documents addressed to 117 different individuals. He worked on this collection over many years publishing some parts in the early 470s before producing the final version around 477.
When was the oldest surviving manuscript of Sidonius Apollinaris's works dated?
The oldest witness dates from the 9th century and likely represents a fourth-generation copy. All surviving manuscripts trace back to a single archetype estimated dating roughly to the 7th century.