Cosmopolitan Claims: Islamicate Spolia During the Reign of King Henry II, 1002–1024
Gia Toussaint
Unlike any other Western ruler before him, King—and later Emperor—Henry II (reg. 1002–24) relied on the ostentatious display of valuable objects Eastern, and often Islamic, provenance. Used as spolia, they decorate works, such ambo Aachen book covers (the Gospel Book Henry II, Bamberg Apocalypse), which still exist today. The in particular, with its Islamic Byzantine is closely associated Henry’s ultimately successful attempt to assert his royal dignity. specific pattern ambo, especially arrangement several chessmen, seems have been inspired by wish demonstrate legitimacy claim throne. In addition, spolia used serve express a wider, cosmopolitan that had yet realise political practice. fact, nothing known about contact Fatimids, connections Byzantium remained tentative. Yet, through he sought power, associate realm powers beyond borders empire. As can be seen from fact all were employed service conveying Christian message, moreover, may not only wished leadership empire, but possibly also superiority people faiths.
Medieval History Journal