La politica delle reliquie dei papi nell'alto medioevo (IV-VIII secolo)
Laura Porceddu
This research aims at studying the role of relics in establishing papal political control between late antiquity and early middle ages, mainly through two different ways using them: appreciation Roman their presentation as gifts to specific addressees. The chronological frame considered goes from post-Constantinian age, that is when pope Damaso (366-384) pursued restoration catacombs, pre-Carolingian process identity-creation undergone by successfully concluded newly established relationships papacy kingship Francs contribute create a new context. After introducing historic scenario research, main types sources will be presented: archaeological finds city Rome correspondence, with integration Liber pontificalis, Historiae chronicles. three-folded structure thesis follows three stages pontifical policy on relics: first focus was almost exclusively local saints, achieved emphasising character an episodic use gifts; Gregory Great later exploit this custom its fullest, creating reliquary ‘clavis beati Petri’ contains filings S. Peter’s chains, which several meanings were attributed. Finally, 7th 8th AD comes completion, clavis becomes device sanctioning both authority king belonging Christianity, leaving behind legacy received following Popes well kings Francs.