How (not) to assassinate a medieval pope: magic, poison and plots in the early fourteenth century

The pontificate of Pope John XXII (1316-1334) was characterised by conflict, drama and several assassination attempts involving baptised wax figures, arsenic, ‘harmful powders’ and the use of bread to smuggle these substances into the papal palace. None of the accounts of these plots are entirely convincing, but they provide a fascinating snapshot into the life of a controversial pope and into a fraught period in the history of the medieval papacy. The lecture will trace some of these plots and the ways in which they illustrate the complex drama of religion and politics in the early fourteenth century.

Dr Melanie Brunner is a library member and lecturer in Medieval Studies at the University of Leeds. She is particularly interested in the religious and ecclesiastical history of the Middle Ages and is currently working on a book about Pope John XXII and his relationship with the Franciscan order.

The Leeds Library is one of Leeds' oldest institutions, founded in 1768 and moving to its current home in 1808. We have long been a hub of learning and community in the heart of Leeds. Our main entrance into our foyer, with stairs up to the main library room, is located between Co-op and Ann Summers, and our accessible entrance with elevator is between Ann Summers and Bird and Blend. This event will be held in our Events Space on the first floor, adjacent to the main library room.

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