Sylvanus
in mythology, a rural Latin deity, who is generally represented as half a man and half a goat. He was sometimes represented as holding a cypress in his hand. SYLVESTER I., a Pope who governed the Church during the reign of Constantine I. He was famous for the number of churches completed during his reign, among them the basilicas St.
Peter's and St. Paul's, for his various Church laws and his influence over the emperor. He held office in 314-335.
SYLVESTER II., a Pope, a native of Auvergne, was of an obscure family, but received a superior education, study ing first in the monastery of Aurillac and afterward in Spain. He was made abbot of Bobbio by the Emperor Otho II., and became very distinguished as a teacher. His attainments in science procured him the reputation of a magician. Among the numerous useful inventions attributed to Sylvester II. is the balance clock, which was in use till the adoption of the pendulum in 1650. Sylvester II. was tutor to Otho III., and subsequently head of the school of Rheims, which he made one of the first in Europe, Robert, afterward King of France, was among his pupils. He was called to the papal chair on the death of Gregory V., and administered the affairs of the church with much prudence and moderation. He was the first French pope. He died at a great age in 1003.
SYLVESTER III., for three months the anti-Pope of Benedict IX. and Gregory VI., VI., but deposed by the Synod of Sutri in 1046.