Light in the Dark Ages: The Rise and Fall of San Vincenzo al Volturno (review)
Susan A. Rabe
Light in the Dark Ages: The Rise and Fall of San Vincenzo al Volturno. By Richard Hodges. (Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press. 1997. Pp. xix, 231. $49.95.) Volturno was 'one great monastic complexes patronized by Charlemagne. Initially founded eighth century Beneventan monks from Farfa, reconceptualized rebuilt on a grand scale Abbot Joshua, Frank, early ninth, reached its apex shortly thereafter. Ransacked substantially destroyed an Arab attack 881, abbey partially eleventh century, then demolished anew, fortified, opposite side River first years twelfth. It also mid-twelfth that John wrote Chronicon Volturnense, recounting history beginnings to his own day. Our understanding this important monastery meaning for broader Middle Ages is greatly increased Hodges' stimulating study, result several decades intensive excavation site. starting point work has been reassess Pirenne's famous thesis origins through archaeological data. experience extensive, thus he able place findings within much framework cultural, social, economic sheds light number significant issues, including question continuity discontinuity late Roman world. book divided into ten chapters. In first, Hodges discusses previous treatments excavation. His two aims: uncover extent ninth-century monastery, identify vestiges medieval villages area. Interest site goes back nineteenth earlier excavations Benedictine Pantoni purpose rebuilding had uncovered twelfth-century church with fragments. crypt Epyphanius located some distance away, but made no attempt explain why it set apart rest abbey, assuming original arrangement. only later realized fact stood itself, would tell more complex story. After discussion chronicle evidence Chapter 2, Chapters 3 9 analyze archaeology site, Samnite Republican remains pre-Christian Rochetta plain Lombard foundation Frankish augmentation Vincenzo, devastation, reconstruction abbey. are very rich, providing wealth material art architectural historians alike. Among most valuable uncovering workshops produced as well copious piles raw waste materials. conjunction substantial crypt, abbatial palace guest quarters, refectory, chapel, reveals large lively community. height half ninth when became focus Carolingian policy Benevento. what calls one ideological nodes regime. recent variety complexity contributions definition culture become increasingly apparent, context played particular role establishing royal presence clear hierarchy authority resulting Charlemagne's conquest built villa, modest. With election Joshua reconceived, incorporating reworking older buildings monumental space definite distinctions secular spaces, distinguished guests' reflecting high status Vincenzo's patrons, emphasis aristocratic, indeed regal grandeur abbot. …
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