Agatha (d. 251)
Agatha (d. 251)
Sicilian saint. Born at Palermo, though date of birth is unknown; died Feb 5, 251.
Patron saint of Malta and of the cities Catania and Palermo in Sicily, was a 3rd-century Sicilian noblewoman of great beauty, who repeatedly rejected the illicit advances of the Roman prefect Quintianus, governor of Sicily; was whipped, burnt with hot irons, torn with hooks, and then placed on a bed of live coals and glass during the persecutions of the Christians by the emperor Decius (251 Ce). Feast day is Feb 5.
See also Women in World History.
More From encyclopedia.com
You Might Also Like
NEARBY TERMS
Agatha (d. 251)