Saint Perpetua across the Middle Ages

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Focusing on the memory and legacy of Saint Perpetua, this study explores how her story evolved from the early 200 CE to the thirteenth century. It examines her self-authored prison account and her execution as a Christian martyr, highlighting her multifaceted identity as a mother, gladiator, and idealized figure. The narrative reveals the varying interpretations of her life and legacy, shedding light on the changing ideals of Christian womanhood and the circulation of texts throughout the Middle Ages.