History of Telemachus: the Monk Who Ended the Roman Gladiatorial Games

January 1, A.D. 404

January 1, A.D. 404 marked the last known gladiatorial games in Rome. What part did an obscure Christian monk from the East play in this epic change in Roman entertainment?

This is the story of St. Telemachus, whose festival is celebrated on January 1 and has been remembered throughout…