This week in Christian history: Anne Hutchinson trial begins, Ben-Hur first published

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Twitter

Dante exiled from Florence – Nov. 6, 1315

A 15th century portrait of the famous Italian writer Dante Alighieri (1265-1321).
A 15th century portrait of the famous Italian writer Dante Alighieri (1265-1321). | (Photo: Public Domain)

This week marks the anniversary of when Dante Alighieri, the author behind the theologically provocative epic poem the Divine Comedy, was effectively exiled from Florence and threatened with death if he returned.

In addition to being a writer, Dante was active in Florentine politics. When a rival political faction took control of Florence, they put forth several accusations against Dante, all of which were likely unfounded.

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Nevertheless, officials in Florence threatened to execute Dante if he ever returned to the city. As a result, the famed Italian poet died in the city of Ravenna.   

In 2008, nearly 700 years after he died, Florence’s City Council officially revoked the verdict against Dante and issued a formal apology to his modern descendants.

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