Virgines speciosae et castimonialae. Analisi della passio SS. Maximae, Donatillae et Secundae

Passio Maximae, Donatillae et Secundae is one of the most important examples of Donatist martyrologies. Rich in interpolations, it is the result of different redactional interventions — both Catholic and Donatist. In this passion one can observe the clash between distinct hagiographic workshops, each of which intended to claim the martyrs for its own side. The present contribution begins with a detailed analysis of all known sources for the Passio then moves on to a study of the narration with close attention paid to the redactional structure of the text. The article points out the development of the text through Donatist and Catholic interpolations, outlines a clear framework of the origin and evolution of the Passio, and offers new perspectives on several relevant items.