On This Day
·

St Anastasius I ends his reign as Catholic Pope

Pope Anastasius I was the bishop of Rome from 27 November 399 to his death on 19 December 401. Anastasius was born in Rome, and was the son of Maximus.

Pope Anastasius I was the bishop of Rome from 27 November 399 to his death on 19 December 401.

Anastasius was born in Rome, and was the son of Maximus. He succeeded Siricius as pope and condemned the writings of the Alexandrian theologian Origen shortly after their translation into Latin. He fought against these writings throughout his papacy, and in 400 he called a council to discuss them. The council agreed that Origen was not faithful to the Church. If Origen has put forth any other writings, you are to know that they and their author are alike condemned by me. The Lord have you in safe keeping, my lord and brother deservedly held in honour. During his reign, he also encouraged Christians in North Africa to fight Donatism.

Historical Significance

Pope Anastasius I was the bishop of Rome from 27 November 399 to his death on 19 December 401.

Events Before

  1. Roman Emperor Theodosius I declares Christianity the state religion

    Theodosius I (Ancient Greek: Θεοδόσιος Theodosios; 11 January 347 – 17 January 395), also known as Theodosius the Great, was Roman emperor from 379 to 395.

  2. Arbogast has Eugenius elected Western Roman Emperor, though unrecognized by Eastern Emperor Theodosius

    Arbogast has Eugenius elected Western Roman Emperor, though unrecognized by Eastern Emperor Theodosius

  3. BC Philosopher Socrates is sentenced to death by the city of Athens for corrupting the minds of the youth of the city an

    BC Philosopher Socrates is sentenced to death by the city of Athens for corrupting the minds of the youth of the city and for impiety

  4. Anastasius I begins his reign as Catholic Pope

    Anastasius I begins his reign as Catholic Pope

Events After

  1. Last known gladiator competition in Rome

    Last known gladiator competition in Rome

  2. Arsacius of Tarsus is installed as puppet Archbishop of Constantinople after the expulsion of John Chrysostom, promptin

    Arsacius of Tarsus is installed as puppet Archbishop of Constantinople after the expulsion of John Chrysostom, prompting people of the city to worship outside the city walls in protest

  3. "The Great Invasion" sees a vast horde of Vandals, Alans, and Suebi cross the Rhine at Mainz, beginning the invasion of

    "The Great Invasion" sees a vast horde of Vandals, Alans, and Suebi cross the Rhine at Mainz, beginning the invasion of Gaul

  4. Vandals and Alans crossed the Pyrenees and appear in Hispania

    The Alans (Latin: Alani) were an ancient and medieval Iranic nomadic pastoral people who migrated to what is today the North Caucasus; some continued on to Europe and later North Africa.

  5. Rome is overrun by Visigoths under Alaric I for the first time in nearly 800 years, seen as the fall of the Western Roma

    Rome is overrun by Visigoths under Alaric I for the first time in nearly 800 years, seen as the fall of the Western Roman Empire

More from the 400s

Last known gladiator competition in Rome

Last known gladiator competition in Rome

"The Great Invasion" sees a vast horde of Vandals, Alans, and Suebi cross the Rhine at Mainz, beginning the invasion of

"The Great Invasion" sees a vast horde of Vandals, Alans, and Suebi cross the Rhine at Mainz, beginning the invasion of Gaul

Arsacius of Tarsus is installed as puppet Archbishop of Constantinople after the expulsion of John Chrysostom, promptin

Arsacius of Tarsus is installed as puppet Archbishop of Constantinople after the expulsion of John Chrysostom, prompting people of the city to worship outside the city walls in protest

Vandals and Alans crossed the Pyrenees and appear in Hispania

The Alans (Latin: Alani) were an ancient and medieval Iranic nomadic pastoral people who migrated to what is today the North Caucasus; some continued on to Europe and later North Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on December 19, 401?
Pope Anastasius I was the bishop of Rome from 27 November 399 to his death on 19 December 401. Anastasius was born in Rome, and was the son of Maximus. He succeeded Siricius as pope and condemned the writings of the Alexandrian theologian Origen shortly after their translation into Latin.
Why is St Anastasius I ends his reign as Catholic Pope significant?
Pope Anastasius I was the bishop of Rome from 27 November 399 to his death on 19 December 401.

Explore More

December 19 in HistoryYear 401