On this day in 278 A.D., St. Valentine, a priest in Rome during the days of Emperor Claudius II, was executed. 

Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, Rome was involved in many unpopular and terrifying campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but struggled to get soldiers to join his military. Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because they wanted to stay with their families. To get rid of this problem, Claudius banned all marriages. St. Valentine, recognizing the injustice of the decree, stood up to Claudius and continued to perform marriages for couples secretly.

When St. Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to be beheaded. The execution was carried out on February 14 on the year 270.

Legend also has it that while St. Valentine was in his chamber, he left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it: “From Your Valentine.” Gradually, February 14 became a date for exchanging love messages, poems and simple gifts such as flowers.