Marcianus of Frigento was a 5th-century bishop born in the Byzantine Empire to a Christian family. After inheriting his parents' estate, he distributed his entire wealth to the poor, a gesture of virtue that drew many followers to him. To seek a more solitary existence, he moved to Italy and lived as a hermit near Frigento. His reputation for performing miracles and healings eventually led to his appointment as a bishop following a divine sign received during a meeting with Pope Leo the Great.