Two African saints in medieval Germany
Reinhold Grimm
After the decline and final downfall of Roman Empire, western southern Europe was a shambles.1 Teutonic tribes such as Goths, Lombards, Franks invaded ransacked erstwhile provinces, founding various kingdoms in Germany, Italy, France, Spain, most which were, however, rather shortlived. It only with ascent Carolingian dynasty and, particular, reign Charlemagne, culminated his coronation Emperor Rome 800 AD., that order, unity, safety were restored these ravaged countries. When Charlemagne's empire divided under successors new realms began to emerge east well west-which become Germany respectively--his imperial heritage by implication, Romans assumed German rulers. Ever since Otto I (the Great) mid-tenth century, conceived herself heir witness elaborate appellation Holy Empire Nation, came into usage during late Middle Ages remained official name until 1806. Images black saints first appear medieval art. will concentrate here on two iconographic examples, one familiar part Christian tradition other virtually unknown. First let us look at iconography unknown saint.
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