Resenting Byzantine Iconoclasm. Its Early Reception in Italy through an Inscription from Corteolona
Francesca Dell’Acqua|Clemens Gantner
A source which can be dated to c.730 has never been discussed as evidence of an early reception Byzantine iconoclasm in Italy. Now lost, this was inscription put up celebrate the foundation a church newly established royal residence Lombard king Liutprand (712-744) countryside Pavia along river Olona, known Corteolona. The tells us that time âºCaesar Leo fell into pit schism from summit righteousness persuaded by miserable scholarâ¹, dedicated Saint Anastasius Persian. Therefore, makes use perceived heterodoxy ruler â his attitude towards sacred images chronological and negative cultural reference. In inscription, is cast champion Catholic Church opposed heterodox III (717-741). This claim naturally had wider political implications: wanted seen supreme on Italian peninsula. Corteolona, with others its surroundings, transcribed late eighth century thus transmitted posterity. Having often escaped attention those interested echoes outside Byzantium, text important document since it suggests eighth-century Italy, at least some circles, believed Emperor acting against orthodoxy, could potentially lead within Church. same years, 730s, papacy too reacted rumours east, specifically Constantinople: both letter Pope Gregory (731-741) Roman Liber Pontificalis attest this.
Medieval Worlds|DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals)|Library Union Catalog of Bavaria, Berlin and Brandenburg (B3Kat Repository)