Poverty, Heresy, and the Apocalypse: The Order of Apostles and Social Change in Medieval Italy 1260-1307

by Jerry B Pierce

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781441131935
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	03/29/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	350 KB

About the Author

Jerry Pierce is Assistant Professor of History at Penn State Hazleton University, USA. His current research examines heresy and social change in medieval Europe.
Jerry Pierce is Assistant Professor of History at Penn State Hazleton University. His current research examines heresy and social change in medieval Europe.

Table of Contents

Prologue
Introduction
1. Tell Fra Dolcino to Prepare Himself
2. Changing Society and Economy 1000-1250
3. Vying for Power: The Changing Political Landscape
4. Church Reform and its Aftermath
5. Gerard Segarelli's Vita Apostolica
6. Rivalry and Slander
7. Descent into Heresy
8. Apocalyptic Catastrophe
9. In the Valley of Heresy
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index