Sidonius, Caius Sollius, Apollinaris Modestus

Sidonius, Caius Sollius, Apollinaris Modestus, a learned, ecclesiastic, was born probably in Lyons about 431. He was educated with care, and became very skilful in all parts of literature, especially in poetry. He married Pampianilla, the daughter of Avitus, afterwards emperor. When the city of Lyons was taken by Majorian, he latter treated Sidonius with great consideration, and in return for his lenient treatment he wrote a poem in honor of Majorian, by whom he was created a count and sent to govern the Gallic province of Arles. He also erected a statue to Sidonius in the city of Rome. In 467 he went to Rome as ambassador of the Arvaerni, and so pleased the reigning emperor, Anthemitus, by a panegyric on him, as to be made governor of the city and honored with a second statue. In 472 he was chosen bishop of Clermont (Avernum), and though only a layman, fulfilled his duties faithfully and strenuously opposed Arianism. He died in 487. Of his works, nine books of Epistles, with about twenty-four poems interspersed, are still extant. They were published in Milan (1498) and Paris (1614); republished by Labbe in 1652 (the best edition).