2nd century
Saint Justin Martyr
Philosopher and apologist martyred in Rome around 165.
Biography
Justin was born around the year 100 in Flavia Neapolis in Palestine, the son of Greek pagans. Searching for answers his philosophical education could not give him, he tried one school of philosophy after another, until an elderly man he met by the sea spoke to him of the prophets and led him to the Christian faith.
Under Emperor Antoninus Pius he went to Rome and submitted an Apology setting out the basic principles of Christianity and refuting the accusations made against Christians, for which he became known as the Apologist.
Under Marcus Aurelius he was arrested together with some of his students and, after being tortured, was beheaded in Rome in 165.