Communities of Saint Martin: Rural Rebellion in Comparative Perspective

Sharon Farmer here investigates the ways in which three medieval communitiesthe town of Tours, the basilica of Saint-Martin there, and the abbey of Marmoutier nearbyall defined themselves through the cult of Saint Martin. She demonstrates how in theMoreSharon Farmer here investigates the ways in which three medieval communities—the town of Tours, the basilica of Saint-Martin there, and the abbey of Marmoutier nearby—all defined themselves through the cult of Saint Martin. She demonstrates how in the early Middle Ages the bishops of Tours used the cult of Martin, their fourth-century predecessor, to shape an idealized image of Tours as Martins town.