George of Cappadocia facts for kids

George of Cappadocia (born in Cilicia, died December 24, 361) was a bishop in the ancient city of Alexandria, Egypt. He was part of a Christian group called the Arians. George became the bishop of Alexandria in 356 CE, taking over from another famous bishop named Athanasius.

George was known for having a very large library. It was filled with books on philosophy, history, and Christian ideas. He became bishop of Alexandria after Athanasius had to leave the city. George arrived in Alexandria with soldiers in 356. His arrival caused many problems for the local Christians. People were imprisoned and treated badly if they did not agree with George.

George's Time as Bishop

George was a strong and active leader. Even those who didn't like him admitted he was very effective for the Arians. He worked closely with other Arian leaders. He even allowed a controversial figure named Aetius to serve as a deacon in Alexandria.

George kept the support of Emperor Constantius. The emperor believed George was a better spiritual guide than Athanasius. However, George was not popular with everyone in Alexandria. He was very strict with Christians who supported Athanasius. He would imprison and punish them.

Conflicts and Control

George also had problems with the city's officials and ordinary people. They disliked his bossy attitude and harsh rule. He used his power to upset the emperor against the people of Alexandria. He also suggested that public buildings should pay more taxes.

George was also a very good businessman. He bought up many local businesses. These included places that made salt and collected papyrus plants. He also showed strong anti-pagan feelings. He stopped pagans from holding their traditional festivals. He even brought soldiers to the great temple of Serapis. This temple was then stripped of its statues and treasures.

The End of George's Rule

George's actions caused a lot of anger among the people. In August 358, people attacked the church where he was staying. Soldiers had to rescue him after a difficult fight. In October, he was forced to leave the city.

He likely returned to Alexandria in November 359. When news arrived that Julian had become the new emperor in November 361, things changed. Julian worshipped the old Roman gods. The pagans in Alexandria felt it was time for revenge against George.

George's Death

On November 30, 361, a crowd shouted, "Away with George!" They quickly threw him into prison. Two other men, Diodorus and Dracontius, were also imprisoned with him. Dracontius was the master of the mint and had destroyed a pagan altar.

The prisoners were kept in chains until December 24. On that day, a large pagan crowd gathered. They dragged George and the other two men out of prison. The mob kicked them to death. George's body was then thrown onto a camel. The camel was led through the city, with the other two bodies dragged behind. Finally, their remains were burned on the shore. The ashes were then thrown into the sea.

George and Saint George

Some people, like the historian Edward Gibbon, thought that George of Cappadocia was the same person as Saint George. Saint George is a famous heroic soldier-saint and the patron saint of England. However, many historians have shown that this is not true. The Saint George who is the patron saint of England lived much earlier. We do not have much certain information about his life or where he came from.

See also

In Spanish: Jorge de Capadocia para niños