| Summary: | The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the case of Martin of Tours to understand the
process of the rise of episcopal power during the fourth century in Gaul. A traditional
understanding of this process considers that episcopal power had a significant change in
nature when aristocrats took over the office of bishop in the beginning of the fifth century.
Nevertheless, recent studies have pointed out that during the fourth century some bishops
were able to develop and consolidate a large amount of power within the city by means of
traditional Roman social relationships.. These were alliances with local notables and the
development of networks of patronage. Sulpicius Severus, the biographer of Martin of
Tours, constructed a figure of Martin shaped by particular religious, political and social
motives. As a result, it becomes difficult to establish the actual nature and form of
Martin's social relationships. Yet he also offered some hints that allow the reader to grasp
them. Specially, the mention of gifts and favours are the clues that point towards the
existence of a vast network of social rapports. This network reached all sectors of lateantique
Gallic society, from emperors to minor officers or from aristocratic landowners to
poorest sectors. Consequently, a close examination of Martin's vertical and horizontal
social relationships allows the modern reader to reconsider traditional models of the rise of
episcopal power in Gaul.
|
|---|
