How did medieval theologians depict women?

Answer 1

Unfortunately it wasn't until the 20th century that women were perceived as equal to men.

Historically women were see as mere chattel or property belonging to men, under the domination of men, and answerable to men.

-----

There was no one theological depiction of women, and their place in both society and the theological understanding varied enormously during the Middle Ages.

Theologians had to deal with the realities of the time, some of which are often forgotten today. For example, a theologian of the time of Charlemagne had to conform his opinions to the fact that Charlemagne had married a woman who had been a Saxon soldier and fought against him in a battle. And a theologian of the time of Eleanor of Aquitaine had to deal with the fact that she owned more land than most European kings of her time. A theologian of the time of the Kalmar Union had to accommodate his understanding to the fact that its member states, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland, were all ruled by Queen Margaret I. And Byzantine theologians commonly had to deal with Empresses regnant who were their own superiors, in some respects even in the affairs of the Church.

There were times in the Middle Ages, when women were perceived as inferior to men, possibly even in all respects. But there were other times when women were considered to be the superiors of men in at least many respects, such as a native understanding of ethics, morality, and aesthetics. During the time of the Code of Chivalry, women became objects of adoration, and since this spilled into philosophical writings, it may have influence theological writings as well.

My guess is that most theologians of the Catholic Church never commented on the issue. And while I would guess that many theologians who did regard women as inferior, there were Cathar theologians who appear to have taught equality.