Archaeological evidence for female Pope Joan. Siena Cathedral statue originally labeled 'John VII female' was relabeled as Pope Zachary in the 1600s Two-year gap exists in papal chronologies between Benedict III and Nicholas I Medieval chroniclers including Martin of Opava in the 13th century recorded a Pope Joan
Medieval chroniclers including Martin of Opava in the 13th century recorded Pope Joan as part of legend. The Vatican throne (Sedia stercoraria) with hole for verifying masculinity is documented. A statue in Siena Cathedral once associated with a female pope was removed or relabeled in the 1600s. The legendary Pope Joan supposedly filled a gap in papal chronologies between 855-857. However, historians generally state the legend of Pope Joan is unproven, noting archaeological and documentary evidence makes it unlikely there was a female pope.
Key Facts
- Siena Cathedral statue originally labeled 'John VII female' was relabeled as Pope Zachary in the 1600s
- Two-year gap exists in papal chronologies between Benedict III and Nicholas I
- Medieval chroniclers including Martin of Opava in the 13th century recorded a Pope Joan
- Archaeologists have uncovered coins minted during the disputed interval with unique monograms
- The Sedia stercoraria (throne with hole) in the Vatican was used to verify pope's masculinity
- Pilgrims leave flowers at a shrine near the Coliseum honoring Pope Joan
Related site: Vatican City — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: 5 Ancient Vatican Mysteries They Tried to Bury by Dark5 Ancient Mysteries