Manichaean women in Augustine's life and works

Abstract

The study of women in Manichaeism is still in its infancy. The present article aims to contribute to this promising field of research by concentrating on the writings of the former Manichaean Augustine (354-430). A considerable number of data emerge from his works, which elucidate the presence and role of Manichaean women in Roman North Africa. It turns out that, at quite different stages of his life, Augustine came into contact with female Manichaeans and described their significance very differently.