In margine a due testi agiografici alto-medievali (Vita Barbati; Passio Sanctorum Septem Dormientium)

Abstract

The «Vita Barbati» and the «Passio Sanctorum Septem Dormientium» are two hagiographical texts of the Early Middle Ages. Particularly, the «Passio Sanctorum Septem Dormientium» tells a story who had a great circulation through the Middle Ages, from Gregory of Tours to Paul the Deacon and Jacob of Varagine. In this paper the Author can attempt to explain the literary qualities of these two texts (tipology, style, language, "descriptiones personarum", use of the "cursus" and rhetoric topics), trying to demonstrate how hagiographical texts too have often a literary interest, together with its historic and religious significance.