Agapitus of Palestrina was a teenage Christian martyr who lived in the third century. Born in Latium around 201, he belonged to a noble family and was executed in Palestrina in 274. During the persecutions led by Emperor Aurelian, he was captured and subjected to torture. Following his arrest, he was sent to a local arena where, despite being thrown to wild animals, the beasts reportedly refused to harm him, leading to his death by beheading.
Veneration and legacy
His memory is recorded in ancient texts such as the Fulda Martyrology. Around the 5th century, Pope Felix III established a basilica at the site of his death. While his relics were eventually moved to the cathedral of Palestrina, portions were also distributed to other European locations, including Besançon. He has been commemorated in various liturgical calendars, including the Tridentine calendar.