Christian Cyclopedia

4th–6th c. sect with Gnostic-Manichaean tendencies in Sp. and Gaul; religious system involved dualism and emanationism; carnal pleasures and marriage forbidden. Founded by Priscillian (ca. 345–385; b. probably Mérida, Lusitania, of distinguished parents; layman; bp. Ávila ca. 380). Condemned ca. 380 by a syn. at Saragossa. Ca. 384 Priscillian was charged with heresy, sorcery, and immorality; beheaded with some followers at Trier. See also Orosius; Popes, 2; Toledo, Councils of.