Among Saints, Popes and Ordinary People

In this lecture, history doctoral student Jonas Bengtsson discusses the cult of saints - from its origins among early Christians in the Roman Empire to the present day.

The focus is on medieval Europe, where saints were everywhere in society: as protectors of countries, cities, and craft guilds. People from all social classes offered gifts seeking help against disease, shipwreck, imprisonment, and other misfortunes, and the graves of saints attracted pilgrims from near and far. The lecture also looks beyond the Roman Catholic Church - at ancient religions, Islam, and other Christian communities.

The lecture is a collaboration between the Department of Historical Studies at the University of Gothenburg and Gothenburg City Museum. It is included in the museum's admission ticket.