Ethnic Identity, Memory, and Use of the Past in Italy's 'Dark Ages'

This book explores the history of Italy during the post-Roman/early Middle Ages through the lens of ethnic identity, memory, and use of the past. It guides postgraduate and upper-level undergraduate students through these new research areas and emphasizes the importance of their study. It also assesses the challenges posed by primary sources and their scarcity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book is a valuable resource for postgraduate and upper-level undergraduate students interested in exploring the complex and multifaceted aspects of ethnic identity, memory, and the use of the past during the post-Roman/early Middle Ages in Italy. By examining these topics through the lens of Italian history, the book provides a comprehensive guide for students navigating these new and emerging research areas.

Ethnic identity is a deeply personal and cultural phenomenon that is shaped by a wide range of factors, including history, geography, religion, and social norms. In the context of Italy during the post-Roman/early Middle Ages, ethnic identity was shaped by the complex interplay of different cultures, languages, and religions that emerged in the aftermath of the fall of the Roman Empire.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of memory in shaping ethnic identity. Memory plays a crucial role in the construction of collective identities, as it helps to preserve and transmit cultural values, traditions, and memories from one generation to the next. However, the memory of the past can also be contested and manipulated, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.

The book explores how different authors and historical narratives have influenced the construction of ethnic identity in Italy during the post-Roman/early Middle Ages. It examines how authors have used their own experiences and perspectives to shape their representations of the past, and how these representations have in turn influenced the perceptions and attitudes of their readers.

Another important theme of the book is the use of the past by different groups and individuals in the present. The past can be used to justify political ideologies, social structures, and cultural practices, as well as to perpetuate historical myths and stereotypes. The book examines how the past has been used by different groups in Italy to promote their own interests and to undermine those of others.

The volume also assesses the challenges that the features of the primary sources and sometimes their scarcity poses to their interpretations. Primary sources, such as historical documents, letters, and art, provide valuable insights into the past but can also be difficult to interpret due to their language, style, and context. The book provides a useful guide for students engaging with these sources for the first time, helping them to navigate the complexities of these materials and to develop their own interpretations of the past.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for postgraduate and upper-level undergraduate students interested in exploring the complex and multifaceted aspects of ethnic identity, memory, and the use of the past during the post-Roman/early Middle Ages in Italy. By examining these topics through the lens of Italian history, the book provides a comprehensive guide for students navigating these new and emerging research areas. The book will be of interest to students and scholars of history, cultural studies, and ethnic studies, as well as anyone with an interest in the history and culture of Italy.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032101019