The Politics of Relics

The Charisma of Rulers and Martyrs in the Middle Ages

Bibliographic Data

ID3349446
AuthorsMontserrat Herrero (0000-0001-8949-3742, Universidad de Navarra, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume14
Issue3
Pages297
Publication date2023-02-22
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel14030297
OpenAlexW4321496880
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited19

Among the symbols used for representing power in the Middle Ages were the relics of saints and martyrs. When it came to political power, relics were one of the most cherished symbolic instruments to achieve legitimation of political power. However, no texts from the Middle Ages can be found that reflect the practice of associating relics with power. Rather, we have to assume or derive that reflection indirectly through narratives and stories around the relics present in the culture and religion of the time. This article reflects on the symbolic use of relics from a theological-political perspective: What kind of power acts through relics? What meaning of power is embodied in their political use of them? The thesis that the article will defend is that reflection on the politics of relics leads to a resignification of the idea of power in the Middle Ages, which is closely connected to the idea of charisma originating in the writings of the Apostle Paul

Ancient history · Apostle · Art · Charisma · Epistemology · Legitimation · Literature · Middle Ages · Narrative · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Symbolic power · Theology · Byzantine Studies and History · Historical and Religious Studies of Rome · History · Law · Medieval Literature and History · Philosophy

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