late 2nd c. – 215/216

Clement of Alexandria and the Alexandrian school of theology

A native of Athens, Clement was a pagan convert. In Alexandria he found a teacher in Pantaenus, and around 190–200 he headed his Christian school. He combined Greek learning with the Gospel in his Great Trilogy (Protrepticus, Paedagogus, Stromata) and in the treatise Who Is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved?

In 202–203 the persecution of Septimius Severus began in Alexandria. Clement was forced to leave the city and spent the rest of his life wandering in Syria and Palestine. His work in Alexandria was continued by his pupil Origen.