Tyconius the African: Reassessing the Theory of His Greek Origins

What is it about?

Tyconius of Carthage was a Donatist theologian active in the latter half of the fourth century, and excommunicated by the Donatist Church in Africa. He retained, however, his affiliation to the Donatists, which has perplexed his readers. In combination with certain historical considerations, contemporary scholars have gravitated towards the suggestion that he was an ethnic Greek, and his idiosyncratic position in 4th century North African Christianity could in this way be better explained. This paper instead seeks to situate Tyconius in his African and Donatist context, arguing for his sincere commitment to Donatist Christianity and his discernibly African theological character and formation.

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