Threatening Metropolitan Authority in Fifth-Century Gaul

Abstract

Metropolitan bishops were exposed to the same threats as their suffragans but, because of their superior rank, they faced particular challenges to their office. This paper aims to highlight the different contexts of adversity faced by metropolitan bishops in 5th century Gaul. On the one hand, we intend to re-evaluate the real incidence of those disputes between metropolitans over questions of jurisdiction with the greatest resonance in the sources, as well as the role of the bishop of Rome in their resolution. On the other hand, we will also analyse the concrete impact that the political vicissitudes had on the metropolitan bishops, especially in the wake of the rise of the new barbarian kingdoms.