Papers by Alberto Aldrovandi
The “identity” of the barbarian peoples who destroyed the Western Roman Empire is not a historica... more The “identity” of the barbarian peoples who destroyed the Western Roman Empire is not a historical problem and scholars should stop wasting their time with it.
An examination of the Lombard version of judicial duel, a Germanic institution that shaped the hi... more An examination of the Lombard version of judicial duel, a Germanic institution that shaped the history of post-Roman West. Praxis and ideology are reconstructed by confronting Langobard sources with other Romano-barbaric kingdoms and the later Norse tradition. An attempt is made at tracking the early history of duel, from pagan and tribal times to Christianity, and further on as a feudal institution and a nobiliar privilege.
An experimental rendering of the Anglo-Saxon allitterative metre in a Latinate language: can this... more An experimental rendering of the Anglo-Saxon allitterative metre in a Latinate language: can this be possible? How would the Germanic allitterative tradition mix with the dying quantitative classical poetry and the emerging vulgar rhyming verse? An attempt at a reconstruction (with historical examples to follow: stay tuned: you'll be surprised!)
Abstract: This very short essay introduces into the Langobard funerary Perticae (poles) debate a ... more Abstract: This very short essay introduces into the Langobard funerary Perticae (poles) debate a source previously overlooked by historians, at least in the author’s knowledge: a chapter of Charlesmagne Duplex Legationis Edictum (in the following: Duplex), dated 789. This chapter, while definitely referring to perticae and magical pagan practices, is not apparently relevant in itself, but becomes strikingly meaningful when confronted with the Vita Barbati relation of another Langobard pagan practice previously not believed to be connected with the perticae. Triangulation of these two sources with Paul the Deacon’s description of the funerary ritual of the poles provides a solution to the problem that seems more satisfactory than – while not in contrast with – traditional ones.
An examination of various accounts of Alboin's murder. The tying of the Lombard king's sword as a... more An examination of various accounts of Alboin's murder. The tying of the Lombard king's sword as a spell operated by the queen.
A description and interpretation of the strange choice of a Langobard saint of the late VI centur... more A description and interpretation of the strange choice of a Langobard saint of the late VI century in his fight against the veneration of Diana. Why would a Langobard monk choose stylitism (in a time in which almost the whole Langobard people was not even catholic), and why the extraordinary life of Wulflaich has been almost completely ignored by historians both ancient and modern.
Tricking Odin: the wearing of beards by the Langobard women in the Langobard origin myth.
In which some passages of the Historia Langobardorum are examined, with the purpose of evidentiat... more In which some passages of the Historia Langobardorum are examined, with the purpose of evidentiating the existence of a "trickster" or shapeshifting figure in the Lombard culture of the VII century.
Parallels among this character and the Norse character of Loki (or rather Loptr) are made.
Original Latin text included.
Emglish translation soon to follow.
Evidence from laws and histories is produced, pointing to the fact that the Langobards had a comp... more Evidence from laws and histories is produced, pointing to the fact that the Langobards had a complex and vital system of making new Langoabards, either during the migration period and their occupation of Italy - a system based on the practice of violence.
English translation soon to follow.
Drafts by Alberto Aldrovandi
On two strikingly realistic details on the Franks casket (Magi and legionaries) and on their poss... more On two strikingly realistic details on the Franks casket (Magi and legionaries) and on their possible interpretation on the basis of military history, and on a possible very simple interpretation of the right panel based on the confront with the Adoration of the Magi scene.
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Papers by Alberto Aldrovandi
Parallels among this character and the Norse character of Loki (or rather Loptr) are made.
Original Latin text included.
Emglish translation soon to follow.
English translation soon to follow.
Drafts by Alberto Aldrovandi
Parallels among this character and the Norse character of Loki (or rather Loptr) are made.
Original Latin text included.
Emglish translation soon to follow.
English translation soon to follow.