Semper pacis amica. Mediation and Political Practice (6th-14th centuries)

Abstract

This paper explores the subject of mediation as a type of polical action carried out by
women. Starting with the model of the medieval holy queens , we intend to examine the
relationship which still exists between the figure of the regina ancilla, who is charitable and
brings peace, and other ways of understanding power. Such a power neither sustains itself on
violence, nor does it rouse to violence. Instead, this conception of power tends to mobilize
the material and symbolic resources available in order to mediate in a positive way in the
human relationships. Furthermore, this paper stresses the need for actions aiming at enhancing
the visibility of the forms of political actions in which women engage themselves, which often
involve the field of social mediation because of their own vocation.