St. Augustine of Hippo

Timeline of St. Augustine of Hippo

354

Born in Thagaste

Born in Roman North Africa to a pagan father, Patricius, and a devout Christian mother, Monica.

~17 years later

c. 371

Studies in Carthage

Sent to study rhetoric, he embraced its pleasures and ambitions, and took a long-term partner with whom he had a son, Adeodatus.

~2 years later

c. 373

Joins the Manichees

Searching for wisdom, he spent nearly a decade following the Manichean sect before growing disillusioned.

~11 years later

384

Moves to Milan

He won a prestigious post teaching rhetoric and there encountered Bishop Ambrose, whose preaching reopened the Scriptures to him.

2 years later

386

Conversion in the garden

Hearing a child's voice chanting 'take up and read,' he opened St. Paul and surrendered his life to Christ.

1 year later

387

Baptized by Ambrose

He was baptized at the Easter Vigil; his mother Monica died soon after, her prayers of decades answered.

8 years later

395

Becomes bishop of Hippo

Ordained a priest and then bishop, he served the North African port city for the rest of his life.

35 years later

430

Dies as the Vandals besiege Hippo

He died while the city was under siege, leaving behind writings that would shape Western thought for centuries.