EPIFANIO DI PAVIA

EPIPHANIUS of PAVIA. — Born in that city in 438 or 439, he entered the ecclesiastical career at a very young age and, after the death of Bishop Crispin, was elected—still quite young—Bishop of Pavia. He distinguished himself by his great piety and gentleness of spirit, and devoted all his care to securing peace among the last representatives of the Empire. He intervened to settle disputes between Ricimer and Anthemius, Nepos and Odoacer, and protected his city—then of great importance—from the ferocity of the barbarians under Odoacer and Theodoric, especially when the city was devastated by the Rugi. Sent by Theodoric on a mission, together with Victor of Turin, to Gondobald, King of Burgundy, he obtained the release of more than 6,000 Italians. He died in 496, and Ennodius (v.) wrote his biography.