Isidore of Seville

(c. 560 - 636)

Born in Spain, the theologian Isidore of Seville is best known for writing the encyclopedia Etymologies, a compilation of summarized classical texts on math, war, birds, grammar, religion, and many other subjects. In 1997 Pope John Paul II nominated the collector of knowledge for the role of the internet’s patron saint; the idea was never ratified by the Vatican.