Constantius, St Germanus and fifth-century Britain
Nicholas J. Higham
The two visits of Germanus to Britain that Constantius included in his Life the saint were long a staple insular history. Recently, however, they have come under close scrutiny, leading second visit particular being considered unhistorical. This essay re-examines context whole work, concluding had access good-quality information for Germanus's activities. Focusing on episodes first visit, journey cult site St Alban and ‘Alleluia Victory’, allows us explore what bishop achieved Britain. Recent suggestions effectively ‘invented’ arguably go beyond evidence available, but bishop's interaction with was an important, planned part anti-Pelagian strategy. passages describing are also explored terms Constantius's wider purposes writing Life. In those investment stories regarding enabled him develop hero ways which accord overall vision exemplary bishop. deeds Britain, therefore, need be read both can offer British history this author's agenda.
Early Medieval Europe