Date of Award
2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
McCarthy, Thomas
Area of Concentration
History
Abstract
This thesis discusses the life of Countess Matilda of Tuscany (1046–1115) and representations of her in the polemical literature of the eleventh century conflict between empire and papacy—often referred to as the Investiture Conflict. As the primary defender of the papacy ideologically, militarily, and monetarily, Matilda featured prominently in the polemical works on both sides of the conflict as the subject of both Henrician attacks and Gregorian defenses. By studying the polemical literature, this thesis explores both the traditional misogynistic strategies used to attack Matilda by Henrician polemicists and the innovative re-interpretations used to defend Matilda by Gregorian polemicists, particularly the use of biblical allegory. In the midst of the conflict, Matilda crafted her own image removed from the polemical writings of the conflict: from the extant material from Matilda’s court, it is evident that she viewed herself as a ruler in the legacy of her mother and of imperial models. This thesis attempts to understand more fully the strategies used to both justify and condemn Matilda’s prominent role in the conflict, as well as how Matilda understood her own authority as a ruler.
Recommended Citation
Lovett, Emily, "SAINT OR SEDUCTRESS? REPRESENTATIONS OF COUNTESS MATILDA OF TUSCANY IN THE ELEVENTH CENTURY" (2020). Theses & ETDs. 5868.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5868