FEBRUARY 14TH
CIRCA THE YEAR 270
According to narrative tradition, Valentine — a priest in Rome during the reign of Claudius II, also known as Claudius Gothicus — is beheaded along the Flaminian Way on February 14th, sometime during the decade of the 270s, perhaps the year 270 or 278. At least that’s how numerous tales share the story.
Emperor Claudius had outlawed marriage, thinking that fewer family ties would make recruiting soldiers easier. Valentine ignored the decree and performed secret marriages, which led to his arrest and execution.
Kinda changes the meaning of “Will you be my Valentine?”
ajh
