Maximus (bishop of Zaragoza) facts for kids

Maximus was an important Visigothic bishop in a city called Zaragoza (which is in modern-day Spain). He served as bishop from 592 to 619. Besides being a religious leader, he was also a theologian (someone who studies religion) and a historian (someone who writes about the past).

Who Was Maximus?

Maximus took over as bishop after another leader named Simplicius of Zaragoza. He played a big part in helping the Visigothic kings change their religion to Catholicism. This was a major event for the time.

His Role as Bishop

Maximus was very active in the church. He attended important meetings called councils. For example, he was at the Council of Barcelona in 599 and the Council of Egara in 614.

Councils and Decrees

He also led the Second Council of Zaragoza in 592. This council was held to discuss and oppose a different Christian belief called Arianism. In 610, he signed an important official order from King Gundemar.

Helping Visigothic Culture

Maximus also helped with a period of great learning and art among the Visigoths in the 500s and 600s. This time is sometimes called a "cultural renaissance." Other famous scholars like Isidore of Seville, Eugenius of Toledo, and Braulio of Zaragoza continued this work after him.

The Chronicles of Zaragoza

Some people think Maximus wrote a history book called the Chronicles of Zaragoza. This book tells about events from that time and exists today as a copy made in the 1500s. They believe this because Isidore of Seville, another famous scholar, mentioned that Maximus had written history. However, some experts today think that the Chronicles were written by more than one person, not just Maximus.

Maximus was followed as bishop by a man named John, who was the brother of Braulio of Zaragoza. Later, Braulio himself became the bishop.

See also

• Máximo de Zaragoza para niños (In Spanish)