Charity and Power: Caesarius of Arles and the Ransoming of Captives in Sub-Roman Gaul

Abstract

One of the most dramatic expressions of Christian charity in late antiquity was the practice of ransoming captives taken in brigandage, piracy, or war. Involving, as it did, the collection and disbursement of large sums of money, and delicate negotiations with hostile parties, the redemption of captives eventually came to be included in the duties of local bishops. Bishops, in turn, not only accepted, but actively solicited this responsibility, for, like other charitable activities, the liberation of captives enabled them to reinforce or expand ties ofclientela, enhance their own status as local patrons, and publicly enact, and so promote and validate, the Christian ideal ofcaritas.