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While Valentine's Day might be associated with romantic love, the real story behind its namesake, St. Valentine, is full of bloodshed and heartbreak.
There are multiple St. Valentines in history, and the historical origins of the figure are shaky, with some believing he was a myth for worship while others believe he was a real person. The most likely historical figure of St. Valentine is Valentine de Terni, according to an article on the saint in the academic journal Repertorio de Medicina y Cirugía.
A Roman saint from the third century, Valentine de Terni was thrown into jail for secretly marrying couples against the wishes of Emperor Claudius II, who put forth an edict banning marriage for military personnel. The emperor believed that marriage would distract his military and make them less efficient on the battlefield.