Ajax (missionary) facts for kids

Ajax was a Christian missionary who lived a long time ago, around the year 464 or 466. He was sent to a group of people called the Suevi in a place known as Galicia (which is now part of Spain and Portugal). Ajax helped convert the Suevi from their old pagan beliefs to a type of Christianity called Arianism.

Ajax's name was quite unusual, like the famous hero from ancient Greek stories by Homer. Because of this, people have wondered where he came from. A writer from that time, Hydatius, called him Aiax natione Galata. This word "Galata" could mean he was from Galicia, Gaul (which is now France), or Galatia (a region in what is now Turkey). It's most likely he was from Gaul or Galatia, possibly a Greek or Celtic person from the East.

Ajax's Important Mission

Ajax was sent by Theodoric II, who was the king of the Visigoths. The Visigoths were a powerful group of people living in a city called Toulouse. The Arian Christians, like the Visigoths, were very keen on spreading their faith during the 400s.

King Theodoric's decision to send Ajax might have been part of a peace agreement with the Suevi. The Suevic king, Remismund, had recently married a Gothic princess and became a "son in arms" of Theodoric. It's possible that King Remismund even asked for Ajax to be sent to his people.

A Different Kind of Christianity

Ajax taught a form of Christianity called Arianism. This was different from the type of Christianity that was becoming more common, which we now call Catholicism. Hydatius, who was a Catholic bishop, described Ajax as an "enemy of the Catholic faith." This means that Ajax taught beliefs that were different from what Catholics believed, especially about the nature of God.

Some historians, like Isidore of Seville, later thought this meant the Suevi were Catholic before Ajax arrived and changed their faith. Hydatius also called Ajax an apostate, meaning someone who had left the Catholic faith. Ajax was also known as a senior Arrianus inter Suevos, which might mean he was an important leader, like a bishop or priest, among the Arian Suevi.

The Impact of Ajax's Work

Ajax's mission was very successful, especially among the important people and leaders of the Suevi. He might not have been the only Arian missionary sent to Galicia by the Visigoths. However, he definitely helped to set up an important Arian church there. His work played a big part in the religious history of the region.

See also

In Spanish: Ajax (misionero arriano) para niños