# Tertullian's Apology (197)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/197-tertullian-s-apology
Location: Carthage, Africa
Themes: Theology

Tertullian of Carthage, the first major Latin Christian writer, defends Christians against Roman accusations. At this point in the timeline (197), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Victor I (189 – 198/9). Dates for the earliest bishops of Rome are traditional and uncertain.

## Why it matters
Tertullian's Apology mattered because it shaped how Christians understand God, Christ, salvation and the church.

Pope at the time: [Pope Victor I](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-victor-i)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Tertullian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tertullian)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Tertullian's Apology](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Tertullian%27s+Apology)
- [Wikipedia — Early Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ante-Nicene_period)