Balbina of Rome

About Balbina of Rome

Balbina is remembered as a Roman Christian virgin, but almost nothing is securely known about her life.

The church biography distinguishes that remembered identity from a sixth-century legend linking her with Quirinus and Alexander. It says that modern researchers question the legend’s claims about her family and baptism.

The cemetery bearing her name may instead have taken its name from its founder. Even the dedication of Santa Balbina could refer to another woman of that name.

Her March 31 commemoration preserves her place in the Roman Martyrology without establishing the detailed martyrdom narrative.