Johanna von Ingelheim
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Pope Joan ( Ioannes Anglicus, 855–857) was, according to legend, a woman who reigned as pope for two years [1] during the Middle Ages. Her story first appeared in chronicles in the 13th century and subsequently spread throughout Europe. The story was widely believed for centuries, but most modern scholars regard it as fictional. [2] [3] [4]
Pope Joan, legendary female pontiff who supposedly reigned for more than 25 months, from 855 to 858, under the title of John VIII. It has subsequently been proved that a gap of only a few weeks fell between Pope Leo IV and Pope Benedict III and that the story is entirely apocryphal.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Jun 10, 2015 · Pope Joan was a woman who allegedly ruled as Pope John VIII in the ninth century, according to a medieval tale. Learn about the origins, sources and challenges of this controversial story, and why most historians dismiss it as a myth.
Oct 22, 2020 · Did a woman ever become pope in the Middle Ages? Learn about the origins, sources and variations of the story of Pope Joan, who allegedly gave birth in a procession and was executed for her deception.
- Dhwty
May 5, 2022 · Pope Joan was a legendary female pope of the Middle Ages said to have reigned from 855 to 858. After her story was popularized by Italian writer Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375), a statue of her was placed alongside those of other popes at Siena Cathedral.
We’re talking about the legend of Pope Joan, allegedly the only female pope to exist. The story of Pope Joan is considered by most to be a work of fiction, but that hasn’t stopped some from believing that she was a genuine leader of the Church who was effectively erased from history.
Learn about the legend of Pope Joan, an Englishwoman who allegedly disguised herself as a man and ruled as pope in the 9th century. Explore the origins, sources, and controversies of this controversial story and why most historians reject its authenticity.
