The Little History of the Lombards of Benevento by Erchempert: A Critical Edition and Translation of 'Ystoriola Longobardorum Beneventum degentium'

This volume presents an analysis, English translation, and critical edition of the Latin text of The Little History of the Lombards of Benevento, providing valuable insights into early medieval southern Italian and Mediterranean history. The book explores the bloody civil war that ended Lombard unity in the 840s, turning southern Italy into a playground of competing powers. Erchempert's chronicle, written in the ninth century, blames southern Lombard leaders for the crisis and has become a crucial source for studying this period.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume presents a thorough analysis, English translation, and critical edition of the Latin text of The Little History of the Lombards of Benevento, making a significant contribution to our understanding of early medieval southern Italian (and Mediterranean) history. In the 840s, after avoiding subjugation by Charlemagne, the Lombards in southern Italy faced a devastating civil war that shattered their unity and transformed southern Italy into a battleground for numerous competing powers. These powers included Lombard lords, the Neapolitans, the Frankish and Byzantine Empires, the Muslims, and even the papacy at times. By the end of the ninth century, the Cassinese monk Erchempert authored a chronicle that blamed the southern Lombard leaders for the catastrophic crisis that plagued southern Italy. Erchempert's primary intention was to educate future generations about the foolishness of their predecessors, and his chronicle has since emerged as the most valuable source for studying southern Italy between the 770s and the 880s.

The book will captivate scholars and students specializing in chronicles, Lombards, Franks, Byzantines, and Muslims in early medieval Italy, as well as anyone with an interest in medieval Europe. Its comprehensive approach and meticulous scholarship make it an essential resource for anyone seeking to delve deeper into this fascinating period of history.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367710514