Adomnán: Biography, Facts and Career

Adomnán or Adamnán of Iona (Old Irish: [ˈaðəβ̃ˌnaːn]; Latin: Adamnanus, Adomnanus; c. 624 – 704), also known as Eunan ( YOO-nən; from Naomh Adhamhnán), was an abbot of Iona Abbey (r. 679–704), hagiographer, statesman, canon jurist, and saint. He was the author of the Life of Columba (Latin: Vita Columbae), probably written between 697 and 700. This biography is by far the most important surviving work written in early-medieval Scotland, and is a vital source for our knowledge of the Picts, and an insight into the life of Iona and the early-medieval Gaelic monk. Adomnán promulgated the Law of Adomnán or "Law of Innocents" (Latin: Lex Innocentium). He also wrote the treatise De Locis Sanctis ('On Holy Places'), an account of the great Christian holy places and centres of pilgrimage. Adomnán got much of his information from a Frankish bishop called Arculf, who had personally visited Egypt, Rome, Constantinople and the Holy Land, and visited Iona afterwards.

Quick facts about Adomnán

• Full name: Adomnán
• Born: 0624-01-01
• Nationality: Ireland
• Known as: Author
• Wikidata ID: Q120132

Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.