Maybe you thought Feb. 14th was St. Valentine’s birthday or something? Well, if so, think again. On This Day in History, sometime in the 270’s AD, this is what really happened – with nary a red rose or chocolate truffle in sight.
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Under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because of their strong attachment to their wives and families.
To get rid of the problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.
When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. The sentence was carried out on February 14, on or about the year 270.
Claudius the Cruel? Hoo boy! Sounds like a James Bond villain. Or maybe like something out of Harry Potter?
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Over time I have learned that truth is usually stranger than fiction. And history – at least when Roman emperors get involved – is often more gruesome than we at first imagined.
