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The first two centuries of Saint Martin of Tours
Author(s) -
McKinley Allan Scott
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
early medieval europe
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.1
H-Index - 24
eISSN - 1468-0254
pISSN - 0963-9462
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-0254.2006.00179.x
Subject(s) - cult , bishops , saint , promotion (chess) , popularity , history , illusion , art history , ancient history , law , political science , psychology , politics , neuroscience
This paper presents a critical examination of the evidence for the cult of St Martin in the fifth and sixth centuries. Through examination of the various manifestations of Martin's cult, it argues that the cult had different meanings and significance at different times and places, and that the commonly perceived popularity of Martin's cult was in fact an illusion created by the constant reinvention and promotion of various interpretations of Martin by interested parties, from aristocratic ascetics to politically active bishops.