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The Ancients

The Truth About Saint Valentine

The Ancients

History Hit

History

4.74.5K Ratings

🗓️ 13 February 2022

⏱️ 32 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

St. Valentine of Rome, patron saint of beekeepers and epilepsy, among many other things. But who exactly is the real St Valentine, and how has the story been kept alive? In this episode, Tristan is joined by historian and licensed tour guide Agnes Crawford as we piece together the complicated background of Saint Valentine. From the potential origins of Valentine's day, its ancient association with love, and Agnes' work in Rome, we explore the mysteries of St Valentine's life.


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Transcript

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0:00.0

It's the Engines on History Hit.

0:16.2

I'm Tristan Hughes your host and in today's podcast we're talking about the figure behind

0:22.2

the day.

0:23.6

Saint Valentine, who was the real Saint Valentine?

0:28.8

A figure who was born in the third century according to our sources during this time

0:32.9

of crisis in the Roman Empire particularly for early Christians.

0:39.9

Now to talk about the ancient figure of Saint Valentine.

0:43.4

Shall we say Saint Valentine's?

0:45.6

Because the story of Saint Valentine as you're about to hear, it's a bit complicated.

0:50.0

It's a bit muddy at places.

0:51.0

There are a few mysteries that still are bound.

0:53.6

As to talk through what we do know and his legacy, I was delighted to get on the podcast

0:58.6

Agnes Crawford.

1:00.2

Agnes, she is a qualified licensed guide living in Rome giving tours of Rome.

1:05.6

She's got 13 years of experience.

1:07.8

She knows a lot about Rome's art, Rome's architecture, Rome's ancient history and of course

1:13.7

a lot about some of Rome's early saints such as Saint Valentine.

1:19.2

So without further ado to talk all about Saint Valentine, here's Agnes.

1:24.6

Agnes, thank you so much for taking the time to come on the podcast today.

1:28.6

I'm thank you for asking me.

1:30.6

Not a problem and this is quite a topic.

1:33.6

It's February.

...

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