Fulgentius of Ruspe

About Fulgentius of Ruspe

Fulgentius was Bishop of Ruspe in North Africa and a theological defender of Augustine's teachings. From a senatorial family, Fulgentius served as a tax official before becoming a monk. Elected bishop of Ruspe around 507, he was twice exiled by the Arian Vandal kings who ruled North Africa. During exile in Sardinia, Fulgentius wrote theological treatises defending orthodox Christology and Augustinian theology on grace and predestination against Arianism and Semi-Pelagianism. He corresponded with theological questions from across the Christian world, becoming known for his learning. After the Byzantine reconquest, Fulgentius returned to his see and died peacefully in 533. His writings preserve and transmit Augustinian theology and witness to the North African Church under persecution. He is particularly important for preserving Augustine's thought for medieval theology.