Ritornare fragili. Immagini e pratiche delle donne prima, durante e dopo la guerra gotica

This paper is divided into three parts. The first one, dedicated to the social context preceding the war, focuses on conjugal unions, including the changes introduced by Justinian in matrimonial matters; this is a theme that runs through all Procopius’ pages and to which he gives great importance, since it seems to modulate on several levels the alteration of gender relations within local contexts, outlining overall a period of instability and strong anxiety. The second part relates to the space and time of the war and to the role of women during the long years of conflict: without expecting a precise and truly coherent picture to emerge, it is nonetheless significant to note that the aspect of violence against women and the participation of women in the events of the war is anything but secondary, and instead plays as an inverse parameter of the political credibility of the commanders of the war itself. Finally, the third part covers the moment immediately following the end of hostilities and examines the role of women in the documentation: they are the numerous widows we see acting as defenders of landed property for their orphaned children, or for themselves. After the war, the order restored by Justinian seems to envisage a return to a traditional gender dialectic, in particular by emphasising the fragility of women and stressing the need for a man at their side to advise, protect and guide them. The theme of gender fragility, invoked, hoped for and finally assumed by women themselves, is the thread that guides my reflections.