St. Augustine

Saint Augustine of Hippo (Aurelius Augustinus; 354–430) was an early Christian theologian and philosopher whose writings shaped Western Christianity. Born in Thagaste in Roman North Africa, he studied rhetoric and later taught in Carthage, Rome, and Milan. After a period associated with Manichaeism, he converted to Christianity and was baptized by Ambrose of Milan in 387. Returning to Africa, he became bishop of Hippo Regius (modern Annaba, Algeria) in 395/396 and served there until his death. His major works include *Confessions*, a spiritual autobiography, and *The City of God*, a wide-ranging defense of Christianity.