Abstract
This dissertation examines a series of Anglo-Norman textual descriptions of the city of Rome and Roman culture which were written in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It focuses upon the work of three writers in particular: William of Malmesbury’s Gesta regum Anglorum and Gesta pontificum Anglorum, Master Gregory’s Narracio de mirabilibus urbis Romae, and Gerald of Wales’ Speculum ecclesiae. The three central chapters of this thesis examine each author in turn. Reference is made to the work of other contemporary writers throughout, in particular John of Salisbury, Gervase of Tilbury and Matthew Paris.
The textual sources in question have largely been viewed as straightforwardly factual accounts of Rome that were based upon personal observation. My thesis challenges this interpretation and calls for a wholesale re-consideration of the material. When examined in depth and in unison it becomes clear that these texts are complex and highly literary pieces of writing. This has significant implications for how these sources relate to the visual and material culture of Rome and Norman England.
The first chapter examines the role of Rome and romanitas within William of Malmesbury’s English histories. William never travelled to Rome in person and as such I consider how his knowledge of the city was mediated via ancient and medieval literature, and the remains of Romano-Britain. The following chapter considers Master Gregory’s enigmatic account of Rome. Previous scholars have considered this work to be a topographical description. However, this reading obscures the literary allusions and rhetoric that permeates the Narracio. In particular, it will be proposed that Gregory’s text contains significant satiric and parodic elements. The third chapter explores Gerald of Wales’ descriptions of Roman basilicas, relics and icons in his Speculum ecclesiae. This material presents a rich art-historical source on medieval Rome, albeit one that has been greatly neglected for more than a century. The epilogue situates the textual and rhetorical traditions regarding Rome within the broader historical and intellectual context.
Supervised by Professor Paul Binski FBA (University of Cambridge)
The textual sources in question have largely been viewed as straightforwardly factual accounts of Rome that were based upon personal observation. My thesis challenges this interpretation and calls for a wholesale re-consideration of the material. When examined in depth and in unison it becomes clear that these texts are complex and highly literary pieces of writing. This has significant implications for how these sources relate to the visual and material culture of Rome and Norman England.
The first chapter examines the role of Rome and romanitas within William of Malmesbury’s English histories. William never travelled to Rome in person and as such I consider how his knowledge of the city was mediated via ancient and medieval literature, and the remains of Romano-Britain. The following chapter considers Master Gregory’s enigmatic account of Rome. Previous scholars have considered this work to be a topographical description. However, this reading obscures the literary allusions and rhetoric that permeates the Narracio. In particular, it will be proposed that Gregory’s text contains significant satiric and parodic elements. The third chapter explores Gerald of Wales’ descriptions of Roman basilicas, relics and icons in his Speculum ecclesiae. This material presents a rich art-historical source on medieval Rome, albeit one that has been greatly neglected for more than a century. The epilogue situates the textual and rhetorical traditions regarding Rome within the broader historical and intellectual context.
Supervised by Professor Paul Binski FBA (University of Cambridge)
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|---|
| Status | Udgivet - jan. 2013 |
| Udgivet eksternt | Ja |