Leonides's execution reshapes Origen's household
About this date: Eusebius places the episode in Severus's tenth year. The range allows for the ancient regnal reckoning rather than asserting an exact execution day.
Eusebius recounts the execution of Origen's father Leonides and the confiscation of family property. The teenage Origen must then support a household while continuing his studies.
Historical context
The account connects persecution with education, family finances, and the emergence of a teacher. It supplies personal context for Origen beyond his later theological controversies.
Key points
- Leonides is remembered as an early teacher of his son.
- Confiscation affects surviving family members as well as the condemned.
- Origen's education includes scriptural and literary study.
People
- Leonides
- Origen
Sources and further reading
- Church History VI.2–3
Origen's early life, the death of Leonides, and teaching.