Rome and Byzantium in the Visigothic Kingdom: Beyond Imitatio Imperii

This volume challenges the notion that Visigothic practices and institutions were mere imitations of the Byzantine empire by examining them as dynamic processes in dialogue with various contexts, including the Byzantine empire, the contemporary Iberian region, and the Roman past. It argues that Visigothic customs should be understood as unique interpretations of a shared legacy of symbols, practices, and institutions rather than as uncritical adoptions of Roman models.

Format: Hardback
Length: 378 pages
Publication date: 20 March 2023
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

This volume challenges the notion that Visigothic practices and institutions were mere imitations of the Byzantine empire. Contributors reexamine these practices, viewing them not as uncritical and derivative adoptions of Byzantine customs but as dynamic processes in dialogue with not only the Byzantine empire but also the contemporary Iberian context, as well as the Roman past. The objective of the volume is to approach Visigothic customs not as an uncritical adoption and imitation of contemporary Roman models (an acculturation model) but as unique interpretations of a shared pool of symbols, practices, and institutions that shaped the legacy of Rome. The contributors argue that it is essential to reconsider the concept of imitatio imperii as a process involving specific actors making strategic decisions in historically contingent circumstances.

Introduction:
The assumption that Visigothic practices and institutions were mere imitations of the Byzantine empire has long been a prevalent view in the study of medieval history. However, this volume seeks to challenge this notion by exploring the complexities and nuances of Visigothic culture and society. Contributors to this volume reexamine Visigothic practices and institutions, not as mere copies or adaptations of Byzantine models, but as dynamic processes in dialogue with a range of cultural and historical influences.

Reinterpreting Visigothic Practices:
Contributors to this volume argue that it is necessary to reevaluate the idea of imitatio imperii as a process that involved specific actors taking strategic decisions in historically contingent circumstances. They suggest that Visigothic practices and institutions were not simply replicated or adapted from the Byzantine empire but were shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including local customs, cultural traditions, and political developments. For example, the adoption of certain religious practices by the Visigoths, such as the use of icons and the veneration of saints, can be seen as a response to the cultural and religious landscape of the Iberian Peninsula, which was influenced by both Roman and Byzantine traditions.

The Iberian Context:
The contributors to this volume also emphasize the importance of the Iberian context in understanding Visigothic practices and institutions. The Iberian Peninsula was a region of great cultural and political diversity, with a rich mix of indigenous cultures, Muslim populations, and Christian kingdoms. The Visigoths, as a foreign ruling elite, had to navigate these complex social and political dynamics in order to establish their rule and maintain their influence.

The Roman Past:
Another key theme of this volume is the influence of the Roman past on Visigothic culture and society. The Visigoths were deeply influenced by the Roman empire, both in terms of their political and cultural systems. The adoption of Roman law, architecture, and administrative practices, for example, helped to shape the Visigothic legal system and administrative structures.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume offers a fresh perspective on Visigothic practices and institutions, challenging the notion of mere imitation and highlighting the complex and dynamic nature of these cultural and social processes. By reinterpreting Visigothic practices and institutions in the context of the Byzantine empire, the contemporary Iberian context, and the Roman past, contributors to this volume provide a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of this fascinating period of medieval history.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463726412