The Devil’s in the Details: Exploring Medieval Politics and Parody

In medieval Europe, the Church held enormous political and economic power. How did critics point out the flaws of such a dominant institution? And why would writing a letter in the voice of the devil be a good strategy? Listen in to a conversation with Dr. Roberto Lambertini, Professor of Medieval History at the University of Macerata, to talk about how political ideas were discussed, parodied, and preserved in the Middle Ages. We discuss his research into the little-known Cistercian theologian Pierre Ceffons and his provocative writings, including the so-called Epistola Luciferi ad Cleros (The Devil’s Letter to the Clergy). Dr. Lambertini shares how he first encountered medieval political philosophy, how lessons can be shaped by local history, and what 14th century academic debates might teach us today. We also hear how a tiny Italian town became the (imagined) capital of Charlemagne’s empire.

Meeting in the Middle Ages is hosted by Will Beattie and Ben Pykare, both Ph.D. candidates at Notre Dame’s Medieval Institute. The podcast is sponsored by the Medieval Institute of the University of Notre Dame and supported by the Medieval Academy of America’s Graduate Student Committee through their Community Building Award.