In the uniquely urban atmosphere of the 12th and 13th centuries in Northern Italy, the conflict between the evolving commercially-based society and anti-commercial religious dogma created a need among the laity for new spiritual responses with which to justify their changing experience. The Humiliati represent one such lay group who chose to disown all worldly goods but remain within their community and work towards its social and moral improvement. This study examines the contribution of women to the Humiliati movement, providing original archival evidence which indicates that women...