Changing Perceptions in Late Antiquity: Martin of Tours

Abstract

Martin of Tours (ca 335-397 AD) served as the dominant model of sanctity in the early medieval west. His life and impact are well documented in the work of his younger contemporary and follower Sulpicius Severus. During the fifth century Martin's reputation spread through Europe, and his cult grew along with his reputation. By the latter half of that century both were sufficient to stimulate Paulinus of Perigueux to compose a Christian epic (in six books), De Vita S. Martin. In this poem Paulinus follows Sulpicius Severus rather closely for the details of Martin's life and miraculous deeds ( virtutes) , but, throughout, his interpretations and expansions very much reflect changing perceptions of Martin, as do the further details recorded in the last book, which document and reflect contemporary experience of Martin's healing intervention. The same process continues in the sixth century, as is evident from the poetic Life of Martin by Venantius Fortunatus and the four books of his contemporary, Gregory of Tours. As Bishop of Tours, Gregory was responsible for the supervision of Martin's shrine; he thus had a unique opportunity to witness the cult of Martin from close at hand. It seems that the 'social role' of the saint fixed by the mid sixth century (at the latest) was in the form which would become normative for the early middle ages. It is possible, by surveying the Martin literature, to document the various stages in the evolution of popular perceptions of the saint. These changing perceptions are interesting and significant in themselves.8 It can also be argued that they reflect changes in popular consciousness ('mentalites') over the years 350-600 AD.