Monastic interactions between Calabria and Mount Athos in the Middle Ages

A critical reassessment of monastic interactions between Calabria and Mount Athos during the Middle Ages reveals that Southern Italian ascetes, while traditionally viewed as one-sided admirers of Eastern Greek monasticism, played a more active role in fostering ties with the holy mountain. The study examines the displacements of Nikephoros the Naked—disciple of St Phantinos—and Bartholomew of Simeri, challenging conventional narratives by re-evaluating primary sources to highlight reciprocal exchanges and symbolic significance. This work shifts the focus from passive observation to active participation, offering a nuanced understanding of cross-regional monastic relationships in medieval Europe.

Morini, E. (2017). Monastic interactions between Calabria and Mount Athos in the Middle Ages. Greek Monasticism in Southern Italy, 191–207. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315585871-8