Rictius Varus

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Rictius Varus (Rictiovarus) was reportedly a prefect in Roman Gaul at the end of the third century. He was appointed by the Emperor Maximian, and severely persecuted Christians. He is mentioned in Christian martyrologies. He occurs in the stories of:

• Valerius and Rufinus^[1]
• Saint Quentin^[2]
• Crispin^[3]
• Gentian, Fulcian and Victorice^[4].

In legend, he killed himself in despair after failing to kill Crispin and Crispinian^[5]. Some doubt has been cast upon his existence.

[edit] Notes

1. ^ Saints of June 14
2. ^ Lives of the Saints, October 31, Saint Quentin
3. ^ CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Sts. Crispin and Crispinian
4. ^ The Golden Legend: The Lives of the Saints Gentian, Fulcian and Victorice
5. ^ Footwear of the Middle Ages - Shoemaking and Saints