Marius Aventicensis was a sixth-century bishop and historian born near Autun. Appointed to lead the see of Aventicum in 574, he eventually moved his seat to Lausanne as his original city declined. He is primarily recognized for composing a concise chronicle that details historical events from 455 to 581. This work provides significant insights into the history of the Burgundians and Franks, while also offering an early written mention of a smallpox epidemic in Gaul and Italy.
Life and work
Born into a wealthy Gallo-Roman family, Marius was known for his diverse talents. He acted as a scholar and a dedicated bishop, even crafting liturgical vessels himself as a goldsmith. He supported the poor by working his own land and funded the construction of a church in Paterniacum. His historical writing, which follows the Chronicon Imperiale, utilized Roman consular dating and serves as a vital correction to other contemporary accounts of the era.
Veneration
Following his death in Lausanne in 596, Marius was honored as a saint in that city. His legacy was preserved through his writings, which have been published in several historical collections over the centuries. The church of Saint Thyrsus, where his tomb was located, was eventually rededicated in his honor.