Z Konstantynopola do Rzymu. Ilustrowane przepowiednie w służbie średniowieczne] propagandy politycznej i religijnej
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Date
2009
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Wydział Teologiczny UAM
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From Constantinople to Rome. Illustrated Prophecies in the Service of Medieval Political and Religious Propaganda
Abstract
The paper was presented in Poznań on 23 April 2009 during an open seminar dedicated to
a phenomenon of prophetism in the Middle Ages. The subject of the lecture is medieval pope
prophecies Genus nequam, their genesis, their rhetoric and conversions which they underwent in
the Middle ages. The archetype of prophecies Genus nequam well-known in the West were
Byzantine Oracula Leonis. They belong to the so-called basileiographeion, i.e. medieval pamphlets,
directed against ruling Byzantine emperors.
The motive of a she-bear and an emperor rising from the dead in Oracula Leonis gave
inspiration to obscure authors of Genus nequam. The she-bear was associated with the pope
Nicholas III, coming from a powerful Roman family Orsini and famous for his nepotism. The resurrected emperor from Oracula Leonis served as an example of an ideal pope who
would reform church.
A negative character of a man with a sickle and a rose noticeable in Byzantine prophecies was
modified so as to point to the pope Celestine V (1294).
Circles of radical supporters of church reform were glad of his appointment and hoped for
renewal. After his rapid resignation the prophecies started announcing another pope, who would
continue the interrupted mission of Celestine V.
Genus nequam are the example of an interesting medieval collection of symbols and figures,
which may convey specific religious and political information.
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Keywords
Middle Ages, papacy, prophecies, angelic pope
Citation
Poznańskie Studia Teologiczne, T. 23, 2009, s. 145-168