Dionysius Exiguus
Early Life
Dionysius Exiguus was born in Scythia Minor, present-day Dobruja region shared by Romania and Bulgaria. The exact year of his birth remains unknown, but it is believed to be around 470 AD. Not much is known about his early life, but it is understood that he was brought up in the Christian faith, which played a significant role in shaping his future endeavors.
Monastic Life
Dionysius joined a monastic community in Rome around 500 AD, where he lived until his death. His life in the monastery was marked by piety and scholarly pursuits. He was known for his deep knowledge of canon law and his proficiency in Greek and Latin, which enabled him to contribute significantly to the church's understanding of its own history and laws.
Contributions to the Church
Dionysius is best known for his work on the calculation of the date of Easter. He proposed a new method, known as the Computus, which was a significant improvement over the previous system. His method involved the use of a 19-year cycle, known as the Metonic cycle, to determine the date of Easter. This method was widely adopted by the Western Church and is still in use today.
In addition to his work on the Computus, Dionysius also made significant contributions to the field of canon law. He compiled a collection of the decrees of the popes, known as the "Dionysiana", which served as a valuable resource for the Church in understanding and interpreting its own laws.
Anno Domini
Perhaps the most lasting contribution of Dionysius is his introduction of the Anno Domini (AD) system of dating. Prior to his work, the Church used the Diocletian era for dating, which was based on the accession of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. However, Dionysius proposed a new system, based on the supposed year of the birth of Jesus Christ. His system was gradually adopted by the Church and later by the secular world, and it is the system we use today to date our years.
Death and Legacy
Dionysius Exiguus died around 544 AD. His contributions to the Church and to the field of chronology have had a lasting impact. His system of dating has become the standard in the Western world, and his work on the Computus and canon law has had a significant influence on the Church's liturgical and legal practices.