Der heilige Medard und seine Verehrer. Zur königlichen Patronage von Heiligenkulten im Merowingerreich
Till Stüber
Saint Medardus and his devotees. On royal patronage of saints’ cults in the Merovingian kingdoms This paper discusses origins cult Medardus, a saint who was to become fairly popular within without Frankish realms. one numerous bishop-saints whose were typical for post-Roman Gaul. However, case is rather curious one: was, at least beginning, almost exclusively sponsored by patronage. After having transferred Medardus’s body from episcopal see Noyon town Soissons, contemporary king Chlothar I commissioned basilica be built over saint’s tomb. Serving as burial place two kings - himself (d. 561) son Sigibert 575) -, continuously benefited during Carolingian periods. The newly established quickly gained popularity subsequently figured among most prominent sanctuaries Even though posthumous ‘career’ far being commonplace, up now very little attention has been paid Chlothar’s reasons linking this bishop closely reigning dynasty. An overall look scattered evidence will suggest that consciously chose particularly ‘royal saint’, i.e. unlike many others not linked tradition certain bishopric or authority living bishop. By actively supporting new cult, successors apparently adopted integral features authority. As comparison with royally other cities show, approach well. [Author]
Antiquité tardive