Women of the Humiliati: A Moral Response to Medieval Civic Life

by Brasher,Sally

• ISBN13: 9780415803465
• ISBN10: 0415803462
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2009-06-16
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This book examines the contribution of women to the Humiliati movement, providing original archival evidence indicating that women dominated the group's membership. These findings have implications for both women's spirituality and women's work, correcting the received opinion that the patriarchal nature of Italian society and of the church limited the institutional options available to women. It also suggests that women found innovative ways to participate in the increasingly restrictive textile industry of the region. This work provides a glimpse at the novel ways in which women in medieval Italy were able to satisfy their spiritual and economic needs within the confines of a male-dominated church and society.

Table of Contents

List of Tables List of Illustrations Acknowledgments Abbreviations

Introduction and Histiography

The Organizational Structure of the Humiliati

Gender Composition of the Humiliati

The Social Composition of the Humiliati

The Humiliati As Humble Weavers

Evidence of Economic Activity and Charity

Conclusion

Notes

Bibliography

Index

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