Roma nella memoria e nelle immaginazioni del Medio Evo vol. II
A historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume explores how the city of Rome was remembered and imagined during the Middle Ages, particularly through various legends surrounding historical figures. The book discusses the interplay between history and mythology, focusing on pivotal characters like Emperor Trajan. At the start of the work, the focus is
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Roma nella memoria e nelle immaginazioni del Medio Evo vol. IICurrent
Project Gutenberg · 682 pages (Italian)
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TrajanProtagonist
A Roman emperor known for his justice, whose soul was believed to have been saved from hell through the intercession of Pope Gregory the Great.
Gregory the GreatProtagonist
A famous Pope who, according to legend, interceded with God to save the soul of the pagan Emperor Trajan from hell.
Constantine the GreatProtagonist
The first Christian Roman Emperor, whose life and conversion were central to numerous medieval legends, including his healing from leprosy and the founding of Constantinople.
HelenaSupporting
Constantine's mother, whose obscure origins were transformed by legends, often portraying her as a queen or noblewoman and crediting her with finding the True Cross.
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About Roma nella memoria e nelle immaginazioni del Medio Evo vol. II
Chapter Summaries
- XII
- This chapter details the medieval legend of Emperor Trajan's salvation from hell, initiated by Pope Gregory the Great's prayers after witnessing an act of Trajan's justice. It traces the legend's evolution through various medieval texts, highlighting its emphasis on justice and mercy, and noting variations such as Trajan's son being the killer.
- XIII
- This chapter explores the extensive legends surrounding Constantine the Great, focusing on his status as the first Christian emperor. It covers stories of his mother Helena's origins, his miraculous conversion from leprosy by Pope Sylvester, the Donation of Constantine, and the founding of Constantinople, often blending historical fact with fantastical elements.
- XIV
- This chapter details the medieval Christian demonization of Emperor Julian the Apostate, portraying him as a diabolical persecutor. Legends include his monastic past, pacts with demons, attempts to rebuild the Jewish temple, and his miraculous death by Saint Mercurius, often exaggerating his impiety and magical practices.
Key Themes
- Transformation and Reinterpretation of Classical Figures
- The book extensively demonstrates how prominent Roman emperors, philosophers, and poets were re-imagined in the Middle Ages. Figures like Trajan, Virgil, and Seneca were either Christianized, made into prophets, or endowed with magical powers, reflecting a need to integrate classical heritage into a Christian framework. This process often involved altering historical facts to fit new moral or theological narratives.
- The Power of Faith and Divine Intervention
- Many legends emphasize the miraculous power of Christian faith and divine intervention. Trajan's salvation through prayer, Constantine's healing and conversion by divine vision, and Julian's defeat by a saint are prime examples. These stories reinforce the belief in God's active role in human affairs and the efficacy of prayer and saintly intercession.
- Moral Exempla and Didacticism
- Classical figures often served as moral examples or warnings. Trajan exemplified justice, Cato embodied virtue, while Julian represented apostasy and evil. These legends were not merely entertainment but didactic tools, used to teach Christian virtues, condemn vices, and illustrate the consequences of actions within a moral and religious framework.
Characters
- Trajan(protagonist)
- A Roman emperor known for his justice, whose soul was believed to have been saved from hell through the intercession of Pope Gregory the Great.
- Gregory the Great(protagonist)
- A famous Pope who, according to legend, interceded with God to save the soul of the pagan Emperor Trajan from hell.
- Constantine the Great(protagonist)
- The first Christian Roman Emperor, whose life and conversion were central to numerous medieval legends, including his healing from leprosy and the founding of Constantinople.
- Helena(supporting)
- Constantine's mother, whose obscure origins were transformed by legends, often portraying her as a queen or noblewoman and crediting her with finding the True Cross.
- Julian the Apostate(antagonist)
- A Roman Emperor who attempted to restore paganism, demonized in medieval Christian legends as a persecutor of Christians and a practitioner of dark magic.
- Virgil(protagonist)
- The revered Roman poet, whose literary fame in the Middle Ages led to his transformation into a prophet of Christ and a powerful, benevolent magician, especially associated with Naples.
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Graf, Arturo. Roma nella memoria e nelle immaginazioni del Medio Evo vol. II. Lex, lex-books.com/book/roma-nella-memoria-e-nelle-immaginazioni-del-medio-evo-vol-ii-5b9cdc94-da15-4093-8648-d699b9aebd82.APA
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Graf, Arturo. Roma nella memoria e nelle immaginazioni del Medio Evo vol. II. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/roma-nella-memoria-e-nelle-immaginazioni-del-medio-evo-vol-ii-5b9cdc94-da15-4093-8648-d699b9aebd82.
