LoginGet started

Alessandro Barbero Come pensava una donna nel Medioevo? 3 - Giovanna d'Arco

Davide Totaro・54 minutes read

Joan of Arc, a deeply religious 17-year-old, claimed divine guidance to lead France during the Hundred Years' War, successfully lifting the siege of Orléans and crowning Charles VII, before being captured and tried for heresy by politically motivated judges. Despite her clever defense during a flawed trial, she ultimately signed a confession under duress, was condemned, and executed, yet her legacy as a saint and national heroine endures.

Insights

  • Joan of Arc, who was born around 1412 in a well-off family in Lorraine, France, became a pivotal figure during the Hundred Years' War, driven by her deep religious faith and the belief that she was chosen by God to save France, which led her to seek an audience with the Dauphin and ultimately command the French army.
  • Joan underwent two significant trials: the first in 1431, which resulted in her condemnation for heresy, and a second trial 20 years later that sought to exonerate her, revealing the extensive documentation and testimonies that highlighted her character and the profound impact she had on her community and the war effort.
  • Despite her initial military successes, including the liberation of Orléans and the crowning of Charles VII, Joan faced immense challenges, including her eventual capture and a politically motivated trial that culminated in her execution, underscoring the complexities and dangers faced by women in positions of power during a tumultuous period in history.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What is the definition of a saint?

    A saint is a person recognized for holiness, virtue, and exemplary life, often canonized by a religious authority. Saints are venerated in various religious traditions, particularly in Christianity, where they are seen as intercessors who can advocate for believers. The process of canonization involves thorough investigation of the individual's life, miracles attributed to them, and their impact on the faith community. Saints serve as role models for the faithful, embodying the values and teachings of their religion, and their stories often inspire devotion and moral conduct among followers.

  • How can I improve my public speaking skills?

    Improving public speaking skills involves practice, preparation, and understanding your audience. Start by organizing your thoughts and structuring your speech clearly, with a strong opening, informative body, and impactful conclusion. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to evaluate your delivery, body language, and pacing. Engaging with your audience through eye contact and questions can enhance connection and interest. Additionally, seeking feedback from peers or joining public speaking groups, like Toastmasters, can provide valuable insights and support. Consistent practice and exposure to various speaking situations will build confidence and effectiveness over time.

  • What are the benefits of meditation?

    Meditation offers numerous benefits for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It helps reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and mindfulness, allowing individuals to focus on the present moment. Regular practice can enhance concentration and attention, leading to improved cognitive function. Meditation also fosters emotional health by increasing self-awareness and promoting a positive outlook, which can help in managing negative emotions. Physically, it may lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and boost the immune system. Overall, meditation serves as a powerful tool for enhancing quality of life and fostering a sense of inner peace.

  • What is the purpose of a trial?

    The purpose of a trial is to resolve disputes and determine the guilt or innocence of an accused party in a legal context. Trials provide a structured process where evidence is presented, witnesses are heard, and legal arguments are made before a judge or jury. This process ensures that justice is served by adhering to established laws and procedures, allowing for fair representation of both sides. Trials also serve to uphold the rule of law, protect individual rights, and maintain public confidence in the legal system. Ultimately, they aim to deliver a verdict based on the facts and legal standards applicable to the case.

  • How do I start a garden?

    Starting a garden involves several key steps to ensure success. First, choose a suitable location with adequate sunlight, good soil, and access to water. Decide on the type of garden you want, whether it's a vegetable, flower, or herb garden, and select plants that thrive in your climate. Prepare the soil by clearing debris, tilling, and adding organic matter like compost to enhance fertility. Plant seeds or seedlings according to their specific requirements, ensuring proper spacing and depth. Regularly water, weed, and monitor for pests to maintain plant health. With patience and care, your garden can flourish and provide enjoyment and produce.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Joan of Arc Trials and Legacy Explored

  • Joan of Arc, known for her extraordinary life and early death at 19, is one of three women recognized as saints, alongside Catherine of Siena and another unnamed mystic.
  • Joan was tried twice: first in 1431 to condemn her, and again 20 years later to exonerate her, providing extensive documentation about her life and beliefs.
  • The first trial lasted nearly five months, involving 131 judges, including theologians and university professors, with all her statements meticulously transcribed and reviewed.
  • Joan's second trial sought to nullify the first, gathering testimonies from those who knew her, revealing her character and the impact she had on her community.
  • Joan was born around 1412 in Lorraine, France, and was known as Jean d'Arc, with "d'Arc" being her father's surname, Jacques d'Arc.
  • Her family was not impoverished; her father was a wealthy farmer and often served as the village mayor, indicating a degree of social standing.
  • Joan's brothers supported her mission, with one, Pierre, being captured and later knighted by the King of France after a ransom was paid.
  • During the Hundred Years' War, Joan's village was loyal to the Dauphin, while neighboring villages sided with the English, highlighting the civil strife in France.
  • Joan was deeply religious, attending mass frequently and confessing often, which set her apart from her peers, who sometimes mocked her piety.
  • At around 12 or 13, Joan began hearing voices she believed were from God, urging her to help save France, leading her to seek out the Dauphin.

17:05

Giovanna's Journey to Save France

  • A Captain of the Carabinieri responds to a girl, Giovanna, who ran away to save her country, insisting her family retrieve her and dismissing her claims as nonsense.
  • Giovanna's mother acknowledges her desire to escape, revealing the family's fear of dishonor if she joins soldiers, reflecting societal views on women and war during France's prolonged conflict.
  • The family contemplates drowning Giovanna to preserve their honor, paralleling a historical case of a kleptomaniac girl whose brothers decided to eliminate her to avoid disgrace.
  • Giovanna, feeling trapped, describes her time as unbearable, likening it to a pregnant woman's waiting, ultimately leading her to run away again, this time successfully.
  • At 17, Giovanna meets the Captain of the Dolphin, who trusts her and sends her to the Dauphin, providing her with a horse and sword for her mission.
  • Giovanna, aware of her prophetic role, insists on dressing as a man for her journey, with local villagers funding her male attire and haircut.
  • She travels 300 km over 11 days with an escort, arriving at the Dauphin's location, where she demands a private audience to convey her divine mission.
  • The Dauphin, initially skeptical, convenes a commission of experts to evaluate Giovanna's claims, including theologians and jurists, to assess her sincerity and prophetic abilities.
  • The commission finds Giovanna sincere, noting her extreme fasting and lack of menstruation, which raises theological discussions about her purity and divine mission.
  • Ultimately, the commission concludes that Giovanna may indeed be sent by God, deciding to support her in leading the French army against the English siege of Orléans.

34:46

Giovanna's Rise and Fall as France's Savior

  • Giovanna, a 17-year-old girl from Lorraine, is believed to be a savior of France, as prophecies suggest a girl will save the kingdom, motivating her actions and public support.
  • She is trained in combat, riding, and military leadership, receiving a squire, armor, and multiple horses, essential for a commander, indicating extensive preparation for her role.
  • The king grants her a coat of arms featuring two golden lilies on a blue field, symbolizing her noble status and connection to the French crown, enhancing her legitimacy.
  • On March 22, 1429, Giovanna writes a bold letter to the English, demanding they return captured cities and threatening them with divine retribution, showcasing her confidence and authority.
  • During the siege of Orléans, Giovanna leads assaults, sustaining four injuries from caltrops, crossbow bolts, and falling stones, demonstrating her bravery and commitment to the cause.
  • Giovanna successfully liberates Orléans, entering the city with the Dauphin amid celebrations, marking a significant victory that boosts morale and shifts the war's momentum.
  • On July 16, 1429, Giovanna accompanies the Dauphin to Reims, where he is crowned King Charles VII, solidifying her role in transforming him from a losing candidate to the legitimate king.
  • Despite initial successes, Giovanna faces setbacks, including a failed assault on Paris and her eventual capture by Burgundian forces, highlighting the challenges of her military campaign.
  • After her capture in May 1430, Giovanna is imprisoned and later handed over to the English, who seek to prosecute her for heresy, reflecting the political motivations behind her trial.
  • The trial, led by Bishop Cochon of Beauvais, is politically charged, aiming to discredit Giovanna and her claims of divine support, ultimately leading to her condemnation and execution.

51:12

Inquisition Trial of Giovanna Unfolds Dramatically

  • The deputy inquisitor of Rouan claims he cannot oversee the trial as the crime occurred in Bovè, requiring superior authorization to participate in the tribunal.
  • The inquisition reluctantly agrees to manage the politically charged trial, aware of the English influence on its outcome, and summons 131 experts for advice over five months.
  • Giovanna, the accused, is denied legal representation, as inquisition trials do not allow lawyers; the goal is to extract a confession of guilt from her.
  • Procedural errors occur when Giovanna is not informed of the charges before being asked to swear to tell the truth, violating legal norms.
  • Giovanna cleverly responds to the judges' questions, demonstrating knowledge of canon law, and avoids traps set by the judges throughout the trial.
  • The judges formulate charges against Giovanna, accusing her of witchcraft, heresy, and dressing as a man, which they claim violates divine and natural law.
  • The trial's purpose is to compel Giovanna to recant her beliefs, with the judges pressured by English authorities to secure a conviction.
  • Although torture is considered, only three out of fifteen judges support it; ultimately, they continue to pressure her to sign a confession.
  • Giovanna signs a confession under duress, claiming her visions were false, but her life is spared; she is sentenced to life imprisonment instead of execution.
  • After being dressed as a woman in prison, Giovanna reverts to male clothing two days later, leading to renewed scrutiny from the English authorities.

01:07:07

Giovanna's Final Moments Before Execution

  • On the 30th, Giovanna, sentenced to death for her relapse of guilt, receives confession and communion despite being a heretic, is taken to a large pyre, suffocates quickly, and is later burned, with her ashes scattered.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.