Acquisition of in-depth and detailed knowledge of relevant issues in the history of early Christianity through the analysis of sources of different types and comparison with secondary literature. Acquisition of the scientific research tools and methodological principles necessary for reading the sources. Ability to express and communicate autonomous judgements on the issues analysed in a clear form.
teacher profile teaching materials
Saint Sebastian and Saint Cecilia: Two Roman Martyrs Between History and Legend
This course aims to reconstruct the early stages of the veneration of Saint Sebastian and of Saint Cecilia. Sebastian is first mentioned in the Depositio martyrum of 354, under the date of January 20, as having been buried on the Via Appia ad catacumbas, at the site of the Memoria Apostolorum (later the Basilica Apostolorum under Constantine). He is later briefly mentioned by Ambrose in his Commentary on Psalm 118 and eventually becomes the central figure of the Passio Sancti Sebastiani, written between 430 and 450 by Arnobius the Younger, an African monk contemporary with Augustine, who lived in the monastery established next to the Basilica Apostolorum.
Cecilia, on the other hand, is not mentioned in the Depositio martyrum nor in other early sources. However, mainly through the Passio dedicated to her—also attributed to Arnobius the Younger—she came to be one of the most venerated and remembered martyrs, especially from the sixth century onwards.
The course focuses in particular on the analysis of these two passiones, which had a wide and lasting influence. Their literary, theological, and devotional aspects will be examined, along with possible connections to archaeological evidence.
G. P. Maggioni., La santità in Occidente. Introduzione all’agiografia medievale, Carocci, Roma 2021 selected chapters)
Further bibliography willl be provided during the course
Mutuazione: 20702466 STORIA DEL CRISTIANESIMO ANTICO L.M. in Filologia, letterature e storia dell'antichità LM-15 N0 NOCE CARLA
Programme
Course Title:Saint Sebastian and Saint Cecilia: Two Roman Martyrs Between History and Legend
This course aims to reconstruct the early stages of the veneration of Saint Sebastian and of Saint Cecilia. Sebastian is first mentioned in the Depositio martyrum of 354, under the date of January 20, as having been buried on the Via Appia ad catacumbas, at the site of the Memoria Apostolorum (later the Basilica Apostolorum under Constantine). He is later briefly mentioned by Ambrose in his Commentary on Psalm 118 and eventually becomes the central figure of the Passio Sancti Sebastiani, written between 430 and 450 by Arnobius the Younger, an African monk contemporary with Augustine, who lived in the monastery established next to the Basilica Apostolorum.
Cecilia, on the other hand, is not mentioned in the Depositio martyrum nor in other early sources. However, mainly through the Passio dedicated to her—also attributed to Arnobius the Younger—she came to be one of the most venerated and remembered martyrs, especially from the sixth century onwards.
The course focuses in particular on the analysis of these two passiones, which had a wide and lasting influence. Their literary, theological, and devotional aspects will be examined, along with possible connections to archaeological evidence.
Core Documentation
Michael Lapidge (ed.), The Roman Martyrs, Oxford 2018.G. P. Maggioni., La santità in Occidente. Introduzione all’agiografia medievale, Carocci, Roma 2021 selected chapters)
Further bibliography willl be provided during the course
Type of delivery of the course
Course attendance is not mandatory but highly recommended. During the lessons, there will be methods to assess the profit through the interaction between teacher and students and the elaboration of a short paper.Attendance
Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. The instructor will provide attending students with all teaching materials and recorded lectures.Type of evaluation
The final exam will be oral. For attending students, the evaluation of the written paper and active participation in the interdisciplinary seminar will contribute to the final grade.