Roman martyrs and their veneration in Ottonian Saxony: the case of the sanctimoniales of Essen
Katrinette Bodarwé
The relics of Roman martyrs played an important role in the christianisation Saxony, and ninth tenth centuries saw a ‘second wave’ relic translations from Rome northwards across Alps, as well translation already Francia into Saxony. But what happened to once they were introduced new cultural landscape? This paper look at reception Ottonian focusing particular on female religious community Essen. No accounts or historical texts are preserved Essen, but it is possible gain clear overview existing there through liturgical manuscripts inscriptions; evaluation these sources sheds light mechanisms which diffused their relevance. It also investigate attitudes towards supernatural patrons mention contemporary charters depiction dedication illustrations. Whilst Cosmas Damian (whose had been obtained by Altfrid, Essen's ninth-century founder) seen those outside, sanctimoniales Essen continued identify primarily with Virgin Mary. Gender identification, political legal claims, therefore cult tenth-century
Early Medieval Europe