Gone Medieval: "Crown of Thorns" – A Detailed Summary

Episode Information

• Title: Crown of Thorns
• Podcast: Gone Medieval
• Host: Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega
• Release Date: April 18, 2025

Introduction In the "Crown of Thorns" episode of Gone Medieval, Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega delve into the intricate history and evolving symbolism of the Crown of Thorns within Christian art and medieval society. This episode explores how this potent symbol transformed from a mark of mockery into a profound emblem of triumph and theological significance over centuries.

1. The Crown of Thorns in Early Christian Imagery The episode begins by examining the initial depiction of the Crown of Thorns in Christian art. Dr. Jaenega explains that the earliest representation dates back to the mid-4th century on a sarcophagus found in Domitilla, near Rome.

• Key Points:

  • Early depiction lacked the violent thorns; instead, it featured a calm, leafy wreath.
  • The sarcophagus illustrates a Roman soldier crowning Jesus with a leafy wreath, symbolizing mockery rather than suffering.

• Notable Quote:

  • Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [10:14]: "We see Jesus being given a leafy wreath instead of the cruel thorns we expect. This calm ceremony contrasts sharply with later violent depictions."

2. Symbolism and Meaning in the 4th Century Dr. Jaenega discusses the significance of the acanthus plant in the early Christian context, emphasizing its associations with resurrection, salvation, and the unyielding nature mirroring Jesus's eternal significance.

• Key Points:

  • The acanthus plant symbolized liminality, acting as a barrier between life and death.
  • Early Christians repurposed this symbol to represent Jesus's triumph over death and his role as a messianic savior.

• Notable Quote:

  • Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [15:13]: "The acanthus wreath epitomizes resurrection and salvation, aligning perfectly with Jesus’s role as the savior in early Christian thought."

3. The Millennium Gap and Reemergence in the 11th Century After its initial appearance, the Crown of Thorns largely disappears from Christian art for about 700 years. Its reemergence in the 11th century is sudden and lacks previous artistic precedent.

• Key Points:

  • The 11th-century resurgence coincided with the reign of the Ottonian and Salian dynasties.
  • Jesus is depicted in a manner mirroring medieval kingship, seated on a throne and being mockingly crowned.

• Notable Quote:

  • Matt Lewis [25:42]: "This has suddenly exploded from nowhere. What’s going on here?"

4. Political and Theological Influences: Ottonian and Salian Dynasties The reappearance of the Crown of Thorns is linked to the political and theological climate of the time. Medieval kings sought to legitimize their rule by imitating Christ's suffering and triumph.

• Key Points:

  • Kings like Charlemagne utilized the Crown of Thorns to associate themselves with Christomymesis—the imitation of Christ.
  • This symbolism reinforced their divine right to rule, portraying their suffering as a pathway to holy legitimacy.

• Notable Quote:

  • Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [35:21]: "This idea of zero to hero permeates through leadership, making medieval kings appear as Christ-like figures deserving of their thrones."

5. The Arrival of the Physical Relic: Louis IX and the Sainte Chapelle The acquisition of the physical Crown of Thorns relic by King Louis IX significantly impacted its symbolic representation and artistic portrayal.

• Key Points:

  • Louis IX transported the relic to Paris, establishing the Sainte Chapelle as its holy sanctuary.
  • The arrival of the relic revitalized the Crown of Thorns imagery, intertwining it with royal coronation ceremonies and reinforcing its significance as a symbol of divine kingship.

• Notable Quote:

  • Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [39:13]: "Louis IX walks barefoot, humbly bearing the Crown of Thorns, symbolizing his anointment as Christ's representative on earth."

6. Evolution of the Crown’s Depiction: From Mockery to Suffering As the Middle Ages progressed, especially during the Crusades, the portrayal of the Crown of Thorns shifted to emphasize Jesus's suffering and sacrifice.

• Key Points:

  • Early depictions avoided overt violence, focusing instead on the symbolism of triumph.
  • Later art increasingly showcased the physical agony of Jesus, aligning with theological themes of redemptive suffering.

• Notable Quote:

  • Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [47:08]: "The portrayal shifts from a symbol of mockery to a reminder of Jesus's immense suffering, intended to comfort believers by highlighting His sacrifice."

7. Art Reflecting Theological and Political Shifts The episode highlights how art and theology are interwoven, with artistic representations both reflecting and influencing contemporary theological debates and political ideologies.

• Key Points:

  • Medieval art served as a didactic tool, teaching and reinforcing theological concepts to largely illiterate populations.
  • The Crown of Thorns imagery became a vehicle for conveying the legitimacy and divine endorsement of medieval kings.

• Notable Quote:

  • Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [53:03]: "Art was used as a teaching mechanism, reflecting the theology of the time and helping to educate the congregation about complex theological ideas."

Conclusion Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega conclude by emphasizing the profound interplay between art, theology, and politics in the medieval period. The transformation of the Crown of Thorns from a symbol of mockery to one of divine triumph illustrates the dynamic nature of symbolism and its capacity to adapt to shifting societal needs and beliefs.

• Final Quote:
  • Matt Lewis [57:01]: "This episode has provided a different window into medieval society and politics, showcasing how intertwined art and theology were in shaping the medieval worldview."

Key Takeaways

• The Crown of Thorns evolved from a mockery tool to a symbol of triumph and divine kingship.
• Political leaders like Charlemagne and Louis IX leveraged religious symbols to legitimize their rule.
• Medieval art served as both a reflection and an influencer of contemporary theological and political thought.
• The arrival of physical relics, such as Louis IX's Crown of Thorns, played a pivotal role in the iconography and symbolism of medieval Christianity.

For those intrigued by the complex relationships between art, religion, and politics in the Middle Ages, this episode of Gone Medieval offers an enlightening exploration of one of Christianity's most enduring symbols.