4. - 6. Yüzyıllarda Aristokrat Kadınlar: Şairler ve Baniler

Abstract

The thesis examines the active role played by noble women in the religious transformation of the Roman Empire during the Late Antique period. It investigates the political and cultural changes in Rome and Constantinople between the fourth and sixth centuries, while also considering the contributions of women through their patronage activities and their involvement in the literary production of the period. The study consists of two main sections. The first section focuses on the western part of the Empire. It examines the integration of Roman literature with Christianity through the Cento Vergilianus De Laudibus Christi, a poetic work composed by a Roman senatorial aristocrat Faltonia Betitia Proba using the cento technique. In this context, Vergilian manuscripts are examined to discuss the role and influence of Classical Roman culture, as well as the processes by which works of Vergilius were reinterpreted within an Early Christian framework. By placing Proba’s Cento Vergilianus De Laudibus Christ at the center of the discussion, this study analyzes the transformation of classical texts in Early Christian literature. The second section examines seven noble women of the Theodosian dynasty through their patronage activities. Focusing on Aelia Flaccilla, Aelia Eudoxia, Aelia Pulcheria, Aelia Eudocia, Galla Placidia, Licinia Eudoxia, and Anicia Juliana, it investigates the influence of imperial women in the religious, political and artistic activities. By focusing on the iconography of coins minted during this period, the study analyzes the power, status and influence of these women. In conclusion, this study discusses the active role played of aristocratic or dynastic women who had converted to Christianity in both the old capital Rome, and the new capital Constantinople, in dissemination, interpretation, and perception of the new religion.