Christians and Muslims in Early Medieval Italy: A Sourcebook

Italy became the target of Muslim campaigns in the early Middle Ages, but Christians and Muslims did not always fight. This book presents an annotated English translation of primary sources to clarify the relationship between Muslims and Christians in early medieval Italy and prove that they were not so ignorant of each other. It is a valuable resource for upper-level undergraduates, postgraduates, and scholars interested in the relationships between Christians and Muslims in medieval Italy and the Mediterranean.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 17 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the early Middle Ages, spanning from the ninth to the eleventh centuries, Italy became the focal point of Muslim campaigns. The Muslims successfully conquered Sicily, exerting their rule over it for over two centuries, and launched numerous raids against the Italian Peninsula. However, it is important to note that during this time, Christians and Muslims did not always engage in direct conflict. Indeed, there were instances where they engaged in trade and even visited each other's lands.

By presenting an annotated English translation of early medieval primary sources that shed light on how Muslims and Christians perceived each other, the circulation of news about them, and their knowledge of their opponents, this book aims to clarify the intricate relationship between Muslims and Christians in early medieval Italy. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the faithful of the Cross and those of the Crescent were not as ignorant of one another as commonly believed.

Christians and Muslims in Early Medieval Italy: A Sourcebook serves as an invaluable resource for upper-level undergraduates, postgraduates, and scholars with a keen interest in exploring the complex relationships between Christians and Muslims in medieval Italy and the broader Mediterranean region. These sources provide a rich tapestry of information that sheds light on the social, political, and cultural dynamics of the time, offering a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between these two religious communities.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032100913