The Carmelites and Antiquity

This book offers a detailed exploration of Carmelite legends, examining their historical development and significance from the 13th to the 16th century. The Carmelites and Antiquity provides rich insights.

This comprehensive study delves into the legends surrounding the Carmelite order, exploring the intricate circumstances that led to the construction of their traditions. The Carmelites and Antiquity traces the evolution of these traditions from the 13th to the 16th century, highlighting how they were influenced by the historical context of the time. The book places a particular emphasis on the Carmelites' unique position as a contemplative religious order originating from the Crusader States, which adds depth to their historical narrative.

Initially emerging as a group of hermits on Mount Carmel, a site linked to the prophet Elijah, the Carmelites began to form a complex historical tradition shortly after their migration to the West in the mid-thirteenth century. This narrative was significantly shaped by their claims of founding ties to the prophet, which were initially developed in response to threats of suppression. Over time, these historical myths evolved into a distinctive ecclesiology and mission that defined the Carmelite identity.

The Carmelites and Antiquity not only examines the formation of these legends but also situates them within the broader landscape of historical writing by religious orders and the general attitudes towards history in the later Middle Ages. This book serves as the first full-length study of the Carmelite historical legendary, offering valuable insights into the interplay between faith, history, and tradition.