Seven papers on the subject of Disorder and Violence in Medieval Italy to be delivered at IMC 201... more Seven papers on the subject of Disorder and Violence in Medieval Italy to be delivered at IMC 2016 on Wednesday 6th July 2016, sessions to be moderated by Roberta Cimino (Nottingham) and Giacomo Vignodelli (Bologna).
In a widely known passage of the Vita Columbani (I.27), Jonas of Bobbio introduces the god Woden.... more In a widely known passage of the Vita Columbani (I.27), Jonas of Bobbio introduces the god Woden. This is the oldest mention of the deity in a narrative source. In a very brief chronological arc, two further attestations suggest the new significance assumed by the god in the seventh century. This chapter explores the evolving meaning of Woden up to the the Carolingian period. It suggests that Woden and other markers of barbarism and paganism were not a simple reflection of actual barbarism and non-Christian belief. They were part of a wider repertory of signs and habits used by military elites for self-representation. Following the rise and fall of Woden’s suitability for the barbarian aristocracies from the seventh to the ninth centuries, the chapter frames these evolving strategies of representation in the social and political landscape of Europe.
Paul the Deacon s rich account on Alboin s deeds and death casted a long shadow on the understand... more Paul the Deacon s rich account on Alboin s deeds and death casted a long shadow on the understanding of the king s character and role in Lombard society. Through the analysis of contemporary sources a different picture emerges according to which Alboin s story was, from the seventh century on, gradually enriched to fulfill contemporary needs of the Lombard monarchy. While Alboin s myth appeared to be still very strong at the moment of the Frankish conquest of Italy, the new rulers dismissed the Lombard king as a role model for the Italian monarchy, destining the king to long-lasting oblivion.
Seven papers on the subject of Disorder and Violence in Medieval Italy to be delivered at IMC 201... more Seven papers on the subject of Disorder and Violence in Medieval Italy to be delivered at IMC 2016 on Wednesday 6th July 2016, sessions to be moderated by Roberta Cimino (Nottingham) and Giacomo Vignodelli (Bologna).
In a widely known passage of the Vita Columbani (I.27), Jonas of Bobbio introduces the god Woden.... more In a widely known passage of the Vita Columbani (I.27), Jonas of Bobbio introduces the god Woden. This is the oldest mention of the deity in a narrative source. In a very brief chronological arc, two further attestations suggest the new significance assumed by the god in the seventh century. This chapter explores the evolving meaning of Woden up to the the Carolingian period. It suggests that Woden and other markers of barbarism and paganism were not a simple reflection of actual barbarism and non-Christian belief. They were part of a wider repertory of signs and habits used by military elites for self-representation. Following the rise and fall of Woden’s suitability for the barbarian aristocracies from the seventh to the ninth centuries, the chapter frames these evolving strategies of representation in the social and political landscape of Europe.
Paul the Deacon s rich account on Alboin s deeds and death casted a long shadow on the understand... more Paul the Deacon s rich account on Alboin s deeds and death casted a long shadow on the understanding of the king s character and role in Lombard society. Through the analysis of contemporary sources a different picture emerges according to which Alboin s story was, from the seventh century on, gradually enriched to fulfill contemporary needs of the Lombard monarchy. While Alboin s myth appeared to be still very strong at the moment of the Frankish conquest of Italy, the new rulers dismissed the Lombard king as a role model for the Italian monarchy, destining the king to long-lasting oblivion.
The following contributions originate from a panel held in June 2018 at the First Convegno della ... more The following contributions originate from a panel held in June 2018 at the First Convegno della Medievistica italiana at Bertinoro. It deals with four, somehow secondary, figures of the Carolingian expansion: William of Aquitaine, Gerold of Baviara, the Saxon Widukind and the Lombard king Adelchis. They were both winners and losers acting in different regions of the empire and for dissimilar reasons. The parallel analysis of their lives, through the difficult and contradictory evidence of the time, could enrich or understanding of the Carolingian conquest and its changing discourse
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