Columba of Sens was a 3rd-century Christian virgin and nun born to a noble pagan family in Gallaecia. To avoid persecution, she traveled from the Iberian Peninsula to Gaul, where she was baptized and took the name Columba. While living in Sens, she drew the attention of the Roman emperor Aurelian, who attempted to force her into marriage with his son. Following her refusal, she was imprisoned and eventually executed by beheading in 273.