Carlo Colonna

Giles of Rome, also known by his Latin name Aegidius Romanus and Italian Egidio Colonna, was a significant figure in medieval thought, serving as a philosopher, Scholastic theologian, and a member of the Order of St. Augustine. He held prominent positions, including prior general of his order and Archbishop of Bourges. His intellectual contributions were recognized by Pope Benedict XIV, who styled him "Best-Grounded Teacher" (Doctor Fundatissimus). Giles was particularly noted for his logical acumen, producing a commentary on Aristotle's Organon. His influential works include "De ecclesiastica potestate," a key text in early 14th-century papalism, and "De regimine principum," a widely translated guide for Christian rulers. His ideas were also adapted and translated into English by notable figures in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Details of Giles of Rome's early life are scarce, though some accounts suggest a noble Roman lineage. He joined the Order of the Hermits of St. Augustine and pursued his philosophical and theological studies at the University of Paris. There, he became a student of Thomas Aquinas and was later appointed to teach at the university, being the first from his order to do so. His academic career in Paris involved producing commentaries on Aristotle's works and Peter Lombard's Sentences. However, his engagement with Aristotelianism led to his work being condemned by Bishop Étienne Tempier, causing him to temporarily withdraw from the Parisian academic scene. He later returned to Italy and was involved in theological disputes, siding with bishops against mendicant orders.

Giles of Rome's intellectual influence was substantial, leading to the establishment of the "Ægidian School" within the Augustinian Order, where his doctrines were widely accepted and defended. Despite facing condemnation for some of his opinions in 1277, his reputation grew, with his order mandating the acceptance and defense of his teachings. He held significant positions, including superior-general of his order and later Archbishop of Bourges, despite protests from the French nobility regarding his Italian origin. He participated in major ecclesiastical events, such as the Council of Vienne, which led to the suppression of the Knights Templar.

Giles of Rome authored numerous works in philosophy and theology. His major philosophical treatise, "De regimine principum," dedicated to his pupil Philip IV, served as a guide for rulers and was widely translated. In theology, he wrote commentaries on various biblical texts and Peter Lombard's Sentences. While generally following Thomas Aquinas, Giles also exhibited independent thought, sometimes diverging to align with the views of St. Augustine and the Franciscan School. His work "De potestate ecclesiastica" defended papal authority, and he also wrote on the legitimacy of Pope Boniface VIII's election. He also commented on Guido Cavalcanti's philosophical canzone 'Donna me prega'.