In fact, Augustine was born in 354 in Tagaste (modern Souk Ahras, Algeria) to a Christian mother and pagan father. He received a classical education at Carthage and then became a teacher of rhetoric in Milan. While in Milan, he came under the influence of Ambrose, bishop of Milan, who became his mentor in the faith. Augustine converted to Christianity in 386 and was baptized shortly thereafter by Ambrose.
Augustine was ordained a priest by Bishop Valerius of Hippo Regius (modern Annaba), Algeria. Later that year he became bishop of Hippo Regius and served until his death more than 40 years later. Augustine’s writings include On Free Choice of the Will, On the Good of Marriage, Against Julianus, On the Trinity and many others.
In 417 Emperor Honorius summoned him to Rome for trial on charges that he had encouraged heretical views among the people of North Africa. Augustine defended himself successfully against these charges and returned home safely but with a new sense of urgency about spreading Christianity throughout his region. He began writing The City of God as an answer to critics who claimed that Christianity was responsible for the decline of Rome’s empire; it also served as an apologetic against paganism.
