Life of St. Agnes of Rome: Virgin and Martyr

Agnes of Rome was born to a wealthy family in ancient Rome, and was executed at a young age, having expressed her devotion to Christianity in the pagan Roman society.

This biography was published in France in the 19^th century by an anonymous author, and soon after translated to English. A narrative of Saint Agnes' life is given, with a further discussion of pertinent events in the centuries following her death. Together with the known incidents in the sainted Agnes' short life, an appendix assesses the authenticity and veracity of the Acts of St. Agnes, a document which appeared in the 5^th century AD. The author explains the various references to Agnes in Latin, and the relics attributed to her.

By the 4^th century AD, Agnes had been venerated as a saint, and through the ages various artworks, icons and paintings have been created in her image. She is considered the patron saint of virgins, girls and chaste conduct, and a feast on January the 21^st commemorates her life.