Pilgrimage to Rome in the Middle Ages: Continuity and Change (Studies in the History of Medieval Religion) - Hardcover

Birch, Debra J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0851156363 ISBN 13: 9780851156361

Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc, 1998

Synopsis

Rome was one of the major pilgrim destinations in the Middle Ages. The belief that certain objects and places were a focus of holiness where pilgrims could come closer to God had a long history in Christian tradition, echoed by the view of life itself as a pilgrimage, so that the earthly journey became a substitute for getting to heaven. In the case of Rome, the pilgrimage tradition developed around Rome's two important martyrs, Christ's apostles Peter and Paul. So strong were the city's associations with these apostles that pilgrimage to Rome was often referred to as pilgrimage "to the threshold of the apostles". Presenting a picture of the world of the medieval pilgrims to Rome (the "Romipetae", or "Rome-seekers"), this book covers many aspects of their journey, and their life in the city itself.

About this title

About the Author:

DEBRA BIRCH is assistant secretary at the Institute of Historical Research.

Review:

Debra Birch's lively account of pilgrimage to Rome throughout the medieval period is well-documented and clearly presented. --History Today

Well researched, clearly written, and, quite apart from the eternal city, provides an excellent introduction to pilgrimage as a whole. --Church Times

About this edition

• Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0851156363
• ISBN 13: 9780851156361
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 238