Dinamiche socio-istituzionali della presenza ascetico-monastica nella Roma del secolo VI

Abstract

The article investigates the monastic phenomenon in Rome from the pontificate of Pope Gelasius (492-496) to that of Gregory the Great (590-604), with particular attention to the social dynamics within the city (especially the adhesion to the monastic ideal among the urban elite and the relationship between the protagonists of the ascetic-monastic experiences and the city’s clergy). It will especially emphasize the problem of liturgical and pastoral functions exercised by the monks. Specific cases will be taken into account: the activity of Fulgenzio of Ruspe, and Dionysius Exiguus, but also the testimony of the first three versions of the Roman Liber Pontificalis , compiled by clergymen of the city from the early decades of the sixth century.