Poverty, heresy, and the Apocalypse
Subtitle: the Order of Apostles and social change in medieval Italy, 1260-1307
By: Jerry B. Pierce
Publisher: Continuum
Published: 2012
Place of publication: London; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 197
ISBN-13: 9781441156419; 9781441123657; 9781441131935
Subjects: Christian heresies; Christian heretics; Order of Apostles; Church history; Middle Ages; History
Other titles: Order of Apostles and social change in medieval Italy, 1260-1307
Description: "This is the first study to examine the rise and fall of a medieval religious group, the Order of Apostles, that began with orthodox support but ended in the fires of heresy. Originating in 1260 in Parma the group was founded by Gerard Segarelli who believed that a life of apostolic poverty was the true path of Christian devotion. Segarelli was initially supported by the Church but as his cohort grew in number and fame he was charged with heresy by the powerful Franciscans, was tried, and burnt as a heretic. The Order's control was assumed by Fra Dolcino who led the Apostles into direct opposition to the Roman Church and was himself executed in 1307. This is an important study presenting new findings in the history of medieval heresy, as well as placing the Order of Apostles within the larger context of political, economic and social history. By examining the rise and fall of the Apostles Pierce shows the dramatic consequences of the transformation of European society during the high Middle Ages."--Bloomsbury Publishing.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 185-194) and index.
Table of contents: title: Tell Fra Dolcino to prepare himself; title: Changing society and economy: 1000-1250; title: Vying for power: the changing political landscape; title: Church reform and its aftermath; title: Gerard Segarelli's Vita Apostolica; title: Segarelli's apostolic lifestyle; title: Rivalry and slander; title: Descent into heresy; title: Apocalyptic catastrophe; title: In the valley of heresy.