Why was St. Valentine martyred?

Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II, Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular military quests. Claudius was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join the military. He believed that the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loved ones and families. So he decided to cancel all marriages and engagements in Rome. St. Valentine was a priest in Rome during this time, and, among other things, he helped couples get married in secret. He also aided the Christian martyrs. Roman officials beat him to death, then cut off his head. He died on February 14, about the year 270.