Third-century Roman priest Valentinus was brutally beaten and beheaded after marrying couples in defiance of Emperor Claudius II’s ban on the sacrament of marriage on this day in history, Feb. 14, 270 A.D.
“When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death,” says History.com.
“Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. The sentence was carried out on February 14, on or about the year 270.”
More than one Valentine.
I always felt that was a weird “holiday” to celebrate love.
Goes back to Nimrod and Babylon even.