John the Baptist

John the Baptist (died 31/36 CE), born Yôḥānān (Hebraic name), was an itinerant preacher, and a major religious figure who baptized Jesus Christ. He led a movement of baptism at the Jordan River, and held leadership over many disciples.

Biography

John was in the possession of one of the Staves of Eden, which he used to start his ministry. After him, Saint Peter would take the Staff and use it to spread the religion of Christianity.

Legacy

During the Middle Ages Theodora Palaiologina, consort of the Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos, erected a church and dedicated it to John.

John was also the patron saint of the Italian city of Florence. One of Florence's district was named after him.

During the Renaissance the famed polymath Leonardo da Vinci painted a portrait of John the Baptist, with his apprentice Salaì as the model. A few other paintings of John were displayed in Ezio Auditore da Firenze's painting galleries, often depicting him with Jesus.

Trivia

• The Venetian church the Santa Maria della Visitazione was rededicated to the Virgin Mary's visit to John's mother, Elizabeth; it was previously dedicated to the patron saint Jerome.

Gallery

• 
  Baptism of Christ, by Andrea del Verrocchio
• 
  John (left) in Madonna del Cardellino, by Raphael
• 
  Saint Jean Baptiste, by Leonardo da Vinci

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed II (mentioned only)
• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood – The Da Vinci Disappearance (painting only)
• Assassin's Creed: Revelations (mentioned in Database entry only)