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Origen

Origen

184 CE–253 CE · Rome

Origen (c. 185–253/254 CE), born in Alexandria, was one of the most prolific and influential theologians of early Christianity, producing foundational works in biblical scholarship, textual criticism, and systematic theology, including the Hexapla, On First Principles, and Against Celsus. He directed the catechetical school in Alexandria until his forced departure around 231/232 CE, after which he settled in Caesarea Maritima, where he continued teaching and writing for the remainder of his active life. He died around 253–254 CE, likely in Tyre, after enduring torture during the Decian persecution.

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Stop 1 of 5185–215Birthplace, School Director

AlexandriaEgypt

What they did here

Born in Alexandria and raised there; directed the city's catechetical school for roughly two decades before being expelled by Bishop Demetrius following his irregular ordination abroad.

Alexandria in this era

Under Roman imperial rule, Alexandria hosted the Catechetical School (Didascaleion), where Clement and then Origen turned the city into early Christianity's foremost theological workshop, pioneering allegorical Scripture interpretation and systematic theology in the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries.

In Alexandria at the same time

Galen, Athenagoras, Clement of Alexandria, Julius Africanus, Sextus Empiricus, Diophantus Alexandrinus

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Works(51)

A Letter to Origen from Africanus About the History of Susanna.

Alexandria · 253

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