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The Real St. Patrick
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A new biography reveals that much of what we thought we knew about St. Patrick — how he drove the snakes out of Ireland, and used a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity — isn't true. St. Patrick was actually born Patricius to Roman aristocrats in 4th century England, and he didn't get to Ireland until Irish marauders kidnapped him and brought him over as a slave at age 15. Nevertheless, St. Patrick had a profound impact on Irish culture, spreading Christianity and permanently altering the country's social hierarchies.Guests:
Philip Freeman, Professor of Classics at Washington University in St. Louis, author of "St. Patrick of Ireland: A Biography."
This program aired on March 16, 2004.