Catholic bishop of Carthage, and thus primate of Africa, 391/2-c.430. A deacon when Augustine, returning from Italy, met him in 388, and thereafter closely associated with Augustine, especially in measures against Donatism and the Pelagians, he presided over a series of regular African councils, mostly at Carthage but first in Hippo in 393. His contributions to their debates displayed neither erudition nor eloquence. Though a faithful if unsophisticated pillar of the church, he has been eclipsed by Augustine, who regarded him highly and for whose ideas and initiatives Aurelius's authority and organizing ability provided an executive arm.