ARIAS, n'rf-es, BENEDI•TUS, surnamed MON TANUS (1527-98). A Roman Catholic divine noted for his great linguistic attainments. He was born at Fregenal de la Sierra. He studied first at Seville, and afterwards at AlcaId de Henares, where he distinguished himself by the ardor he manifested in the acquisition of the Oriental languages, Arabic, Syriac, and Chal dee. He next proceeded on a tour through Italy, France. Germany, England, and the Neth erlands, in the course of which he obtained a knowledge of various modern tongues. He joined the knightly Order of Saint James as a priest, and as theologue of Bishop Martin Perez Azala, of Segovia, attended the Council of Trent; but on his return home he resolved to retire into se clusion at Araeena, and dedicate his whole time to literature. In 1568, however, Philip 11. per suaded him to repair to Antwerp and superin tend the publication of the famous edition of the Polyglot Bible, executed in that city at the suggestion of the printer, Christopher Plan tin. After four years' labor, the work was issued under the title Rib Racra, Hebraicc, rhaldaice, Grow et Latine, Philippi II. Regis
Catholici Pietate et Studio ml Raerisanette Peclesirr Liszt??? Ch ph. Plan tin its exeudebut (Antwerp, 1569-73, 8 vole., folio). Only 500 sets were printed, and the greater part of them were lost at sea, on their way to Spain. It was received with universal applause. The Jesuits, to whom Arias was sincerely and strenu ously opposed, alone attempted to fasten the charge of heresy on the author because lie had included so much rabbinical matter, and he made several journeys to Rome to clear himself of the accusation. Philip IL rewarded him with a pension of 2000 ducats, besides bestowing on him various other emoluments—as court chaplain and librarian at the Escurial. He died at Se ville in 1598. Ilis literary works are very nu merous. They relate principally to the Bible and to Jewish antiquities; hut he also wrote numer ous Latin poems and a history of nature. For his biography and portrait consult: Memorias dr la real Academia de la Historic, Vol. VII. (Madrid, 1832).