Gerard of Clairvaux was a 12th-century Italian monk who served as the sixth abbot of the Cistercian monastery at Clairvaux. Born in Lombardy, he initially led the Fossanova Abbey before being elected to lead the French abbey around 1170. Known for his strict adherence to discipline, his life ended violently when he was killed by a rebellious monk during a visit to Igny Abbey. He is recognized as the first martyr of the Cistercian Order.