Chaste Couples in Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages
Sylvie Joye
This paper first presents married couples reputed to live a virginal union in the hagiography of early Middle Ages. It stresses anew paradoxes found simultaneous valuation asceticism and conjugal love during late Antiquity. The then analyzes depth depiction these couples, particular Amator’s biography writings Gregory Tours. narrative chaste wedding night, proofs spouses’ virginity, shared tomb reveal simultaneously ideals marriage asceticism, which become increasingly irreconcilable. From Carolingian times even from 7th century onward, almost disappear Lives Saints, erase all intimacy cohabitation.
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