the evolution in late antiquity of important aspects of women’s lives (for example: marriage, virginity, maternity, attention to one’s own body) seems to testify a ‘stiffening’ in Christian writers not only with respect to the mentality of the Greek and Roman world, but also in comparison with the requirements of the apostle Paul (who is, in turn, often ambiguous). the ideal female as recognized in the classical era – virtuous spouse/prolific mother/widow – is replaced by a new order of values: virgin/widow/mother. however, in addition to attitudes, sometimes violently misogynist, texts also show entirely positive reflections on female virtues: attitude towards the female universe in late antiquity is, therefore, extremely complex and varied. also from this point of view, this period is crucial for the transformation of the mentality and the definition of models, which will be a reference for later periods.
Modelli femminili nella tarda antichità
SANTELIA, Stefania
2011-01-01
Abstract
the evolution in late antiquity of important aspects of women’s lives (for example: marriage, virginity, maternity, attention to one’s own body) seems to testify a ‘stiffening’ in Christian writers not only with respect to the mentality of the Greek and Roman world, but also in comparison with the requirements of the apostle Paul (who is, in turn, often ambiguous). the ideal female as recognized in the classical era – virtuous spouse/prolific mother/widow – is replaced by a new order of values: virgin/widow/mother. however, in addition to attitudes, sometimes violently misogynist, texts also show entirely positive reflections on female virtues: attitude towards the female universe in late antiquity is, therefore, extremely complex and varied. also from this point of view, this period is crucial for the transformation of the mentality and the definition of models, which will be a reference for later periods.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.