Tours, the Division of a Pilgrimage Land in the 13th Century

Objective:

• Explore the former Martinopole of Tours, guided by the daughter of a crusader who left for the Holy Land in the early 13th century.
• Apprehend the role and significance of Tours during the reign of King Philippe Auguste of France.
• Challenge preconceptions about the role of women in medieval society.
• Take a journey back to the 13th century in Tours through an unconventional guided tour led in historical combat attire.

Program

In the early 13th century, under the reign of King Philippe Auguste of France, the city of Tours was divided into two distinct poles. To the east, the bishop ruled with the cathedral still under construction, while to the west, Martinopole developed as a new religious and economic center around the abbey turned basilica. The relics of Saint Martin attracted numerous pilgrims, as well as merchants who aimed to profit from these new and numerous clients! From the worship of relics to the development of religious orders, the creation of new currency to the economic and political growth of the neighborhood, the organization of urban militias to the Crusades, you will discover Tours in a different light while dispelling some stereotypes about the Middle Ages.

Get to Know Your Guide/Character:

As the daughter of a crusading militiaman, Mahaut was raised near the Abbey of Saint Martin in Tours. Her upbringing provided her with a valuable education that proved highly beneficial in protecting the numerous pilgrims who came in large numbers to pay their respects to the relics of Saint Martin in Tours. She volunteered to replace her father until his return! A woman taking up arms is uncommon, but when the need arises, no distinction is made with men. The pilgrimage attracts both men and women from beyond the borders of the expanding kingdom of Philippe Auguste, along with merchants and artisans who have a keen sense of business. In a kingdom at war and with an envious bishop as a neighbor, the population, and above all the relics, must be kept safe!