Dativus

Dativus is the name of several early Christians of eminence:

1. Bishop of Badae. in Numidia, a frontier post towards the Gaetuli,- was the author of several epistles.

2. Seventh bishop of Limoges, succeeded Adelphius in the latter part of the 3d century. He was deposed at the end of nineteen years, during the persecution of Diocletian.

3. A celebrated senator, was martyred under Diocletian, at Carthage, in 304. He and forty-eight others were surprised while worshipping at Abitina, and, after severe torture, died some from starvation. He is commemorated on February 11. See Smith, Dict. of Christ. Biog. s.v.