Exploring Community Responsibility and Violence in Early Modern Spain

Sticks, Stones, and Broken Bones: When Neighbors Kill Children in Early Modern Spain

On October 23, 2026, William & Mary's Medieval & Renaissance Studies Program hosted a colloquium featuring Dr. Lu Ann Homza, Professor of History at William & Mary.

In her talk, Dr. Homza examined community responsibility for children and responses to violence in early modern Spain. Drawing on recent research, she explored evidence suggesting that adult villagers were unlikely to intervene when violence against children outside their own families was verbally threatened, yet often took action when that violence became physical. Her presentation offered insights into the complex relationships among community support, private property, and legal culpability during this period.

Dr. Homza earned her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and specializes in Catholic religious and legal culture in early modern Europe, particularly from 1400 to 1700.