Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258) was an early Christian writer, bishop of Carthage, and martyr, remembered for his defense of Christianity in a time of persecution and for his theological works.
Elected bishop of Carthage around 248, he preached actively and organized the Christian community there. When persecution broke out under the emperor Valerian, Cyprian was arrested and, despite the pressure brought to bear on him, refused to renounce his faith. He was executed in 258.
He left behind numerous treatises and letters on church discipline, the unity of the Church, and the importance of baptism — writings that had a considerable influence on the development of Christian theology.
Cyprian is venerated as a saint in various Christian traditions; his feast is kept on 14 September in the Julian calendar, 27 September in the Gregorian.