Symmachan Forgeries

Christianity

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July 14, 2026

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The term "Symmachan Forgeries" refers to fraudulent literature created during a schism in the Roman Catholic Church between Pope Symmachus and an antipope named Laurentius. This period of dispute, from 498 to 514 CE, saw both factions vying for power and legitimacy. To support the doctrine that the pope is above judgment, later proponents used these forged documents.1

It is important to distinguish this Pope Symmachus from Quintus Aurelius Memmius Eusebius Symmachus, a prominent Roman statesman and orator from the late 4th century who was a leading opponent of Christianity. He was known for his eloquent writings and his efforts to preserve pagan traditions in the face of increasing Christian influence.2

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Saint Symmachus
…literature, subsequently known as the Symmachan Forgeries, drawn on by later exponents of the doctrine quod prima sedes non judicatur a quoquam (“that no one can pass judgment on the pope”).
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…literature, subsequently known as the Symmachan Forgeries, drawn on by later exponents of the doctrine quod prima sedes non judicatur a quoquam (“that no one can pass judgment on the pope”).
Read More