Dynastic succession and Episcopal Legitimacy in Visigoth Mérida
Abstract
Based on the Vitas Patrum Emeritensium, a seventh-century hagiographical text, this article analyzes problematic aspects related to the election of bishops, the emergence of priestly dynasties, and the patrimonial management of diocesan churches in Visigoth Spain. It likewise aims to define some of the keys to the process of material and symbolic construction of the bishop’s legitimacy as leader of the Christian city. Testimony extracted from chronicles, council acts and codes of civil law complements the news proceeding from the Vitas.
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