Use this URL to cite or link to this record in EThOS: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.540212
Title: Gregory of Tours and the women in his works : studies in sixth-century Gaul
Author: Dailey, Erin Thomas
ISNI:       0000 0004 2708 8233
Awarding Body: University of Leeds
Current Institution: University of Leeds
Date of Award: 2011
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Abstract:
As one of the most prolific authors of the sixth-century, Gregory of Tours has long been a figure of interest in studies on Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. Gregory's works are difficult sources to use, in large part because of his skill as an author, as well as his ability to manipulate his material in accordance with his greater literary aims. Much of what Gregory wrote, and much of what he chose not to write, resulted from his own relationship with the political and ecclesiastical leadership of Merovingian Gaul. Therefore, it has proved necessary to identify Gregory's historical context, as well as his opinions on contemporary issues, before utilising his works for scholarly purposes. While much work has been done in this regard, it has tended to focus more on various male figures - kings, bishops, magnates, and the like - rather than on the women in his works, even though several women feature prominently in both his writings and his life. This study opens with an examination of the influence that Gregory's own mother had upon him, and the way she left her mark on his works. It then analyses Gregory's opinions on various political leaders, such as the famous queens Brunhild and Fredegund, before turning to his ideas about gender, female sanctity, and laywomen. Along the way, opportunities are taken to examine certain historical issues, from the question of polygamy amongst the Merovingian royalty to the matter of cultural divisions with Gaul, in light of Gregory's information. Hopefully, this study will demonstrate the insights that become possible once the thematic content of Gregory's works is properly understood, and once the women in his works are given the dedicated attention of an in-depth study.
Supervisor: Wood, Ian Sponsor: Not available
Qualification Name: Thesis (Ph.D.) Qualification Level: Doctoral
EThOS ID: uk.bl.ethos.540212  DOI: Not available
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