Carmina

This is the first critical edition of two Latin Poems by the hitherto unknown Petrus Presbyter, who worked in France at the end of the 13th century. Petrus Presbyter displays, both by his use of meter and his re-use of satirical themes, close ties of form and content with the rhythmic poetry of the 12th century. His work draws its particular character from its author's membership of the Mendicant movement. The old religious orders in their contemporary manifesta- tions are subjected to harsh criticism. Petrus Presbyter also reveals himself in his satirization of social divisions as an acute observer of the world about him. Free of territorial considerations, he supports the Pope's claims to supremacy and his policy in favour of Charles I of Anjou. In his Altercatio Petrus Presbyter demonstrates in the Franciscan spirit the superiority of simple piety to learned knowledge and noble lineage. The edition is completed by a commentary to the content and sources of the texts.