Commentary Purg XX 91-93

The 'new Pilate' now directs his rage against the Templars (see Templari).  (For a more balanced view than Dante's of Philip's motives see Scott [Scot.1996.1), pp. 174-77.)

      When did Dante write this passage?  Clearly sometime after 1307; and, perhaps nearly as clearly, before 1312.  It is notable that none of the details of the denouement of this ugly scheme reached Dante's page: sanza decreto (unsanctioned) the king sets out without the papal support necessary to justify such an action (it would come from that other detested Frenchman, Pope Clement V, only in 1312).