Sebastian, Saint

Sebastian, Saint, fl. 3d cent.?, Roman martyr. Little is known of his life. According to tradition he was an officer of the Praetorian guards much favored by Emperor Diocletian, who did not know that Sebastian was a Christian. When the emperor learned of it, he ordered Sebastian killed by archers. Left for dead with arrows in his body, Sebastian recovered but was later beaten to death on the order of Diocletian. He was a favorite subject of Renaissance painters. Feast: Jan. 20.

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Sebastian, Saint

(died c. 288, Rome; feast day January 20) Christian martyr who died during the persecutions of Diocletian. According to legend, he was born in Gaul and went to Rome to serve in the army. When officials learned that he was a Christian seeking converts, they ordered his execution by archers. Left for dead, he was nursed back to health by a Christian widow. He presented himself before the emperor, who condemned him to death by beating. His body was thrown into a sewer but was afterward found and buried. In Renaissance art he was often depicted as a handsome youth pierced by arrows.