AGATHA, SAINT


Meaning of AGATHA, SAINT in English

flourished 3rd century AD?, Sicily; feast day February 5

Legendary Christian martyr.

Born in Palermo or Catania, she resisted the advances of a Roman prefect sent to govern Sicily. After brutal torture she was sent to the stake, but as the fire was lit a great earthquake occurred, and the crowd demanded her release. She was led away to prison, where she died. Though she appears in lists of martyrs as early as the 6th century, the legend may be unfounded.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.