The Women of Flanders and Their Husbands: The Role of Women in the Liber Floridus
Kristi DiClemente
Chapter 6:The Women of Flanders and Their Husbands: The Role in the Liber Floridus Kristi DiClemente medieval county Flanders, northern France, had a surprisingly female-friendly political climate. According to Karen Nicholas, "The countesses played important roles history from time its Carolingian origins";1 Judith2 ninth-century Jeanne Marguerite3 thirteenth-century, women held surprising amount social power, especially relative contemporary same status other parts Europe. In general, male authors were critical female rulers, if they appeared be successful their endeavors "gave all credit exceptional presence capacities bodies minds."4 order become compatible with thinking make power acceptable, many characterized this as virilis.5 Although Middle Ages saw attributes inferior ones, described good rulers masculine terms, these was not diminished. Churchmen particular aimed obtain assistance achieve goals; men felt that acceptable for cause, namely own.6 Flemish only at comital level society but also lower administrative positions.7 They gained through husbands, did Europe, inheritances both family members. This unusual is reflected Genelogia Comitum Flandrie, Genealogy Counts Lambert Saint-Omer's encyclopedia, Floridus. By looking genealogy counts relation genealogies included book, his acknowledgement evident. illustrated three [End Page 79] ways; first number named females presented genealogy, particularly he text, second quality narrative about described, third relationship between outsiders mentioned text. role author extremely manuscript. Most what modern scholars know found work. born around 1060 text called himself canon church Our Lady Saint-Omer. He entered monastery Saint-Bertin child, which where received education. itself an overly impressive example encyclopedia; entries are organized any way Latin mediocre. Albert Derolez, it possibly encyclopedia we have.8 Among folios information regarding numerous diverse topics including plants medicinal usage, maps several world one kings France Dukes Normandy. gave attention Flanders. A possible reason local access documentation because location Saint-Omer proximity Saint-Bertin. completed 1120 or 1121. From little Lambert, appears few literary achievements survives. Fortunately, Ghent, University Library, MS 92 autograph manuscript, allows authenticity Lambert's voice maintained. manuscript contains 287 numbered multiple folding leaves parchment added original folio.9 transmission twelfth-century can easily traced; held...
Essays in Medieval Studies