The Lands of Saint Ambrose: Monks and Society in Early Medieval Milan by Ross Balzaretti
Stephen Joyce
Reviewed by: The Lands of Saint Ambrose: Monks and Society in Early Medieval Milan by Ross Balzaretti Stephen Joyce Balzaretti, Ross, (Studies the Middle Ages, 44), Turnhout, Brepols, 2019; hardback; pp. xvii, 640; 17 b/w illustrations, 15 maps, 28 tables; R.R.P. €130.00; ISBN 9782503509778. In this monograph two parts, examines early medieval legacy Monastery Sant’Ambrogio both wider hinterland. monastery enters historical record last decades eighth century as first Carolingian monastic foundation south Alps. had a significant influential heritage. Attached to basilica built church father Bishop Ambrose (c. 337/340–397) house martyr relics Gervasius Protasius (and where himself was eventually interred), came be player within patronage networks Italy Francia. surviving charters attached narrate ‘thick description’ processes which religious secular negotiated ownership eighth, ninth, tenth centuries. part focuses on Milan, while second engages with Milan’s result is an observation profound dynamic connection between town country period, increasing contested role monasticism connection. begins examining contextualizing evidence: charter collection held at Sant’Ambrogio. approach descriptive historiographical, placing complex discussions framed around authenticity, noting importance constructs or ‘dossiers’ rather than ‘ad hoc’ voices. Subsequently, moves into brief discussion nature ‘urbanism’ through examination archaeology Po Valley. This methodology then [End Page 174] repeated for reception himself, emphasizing impact landscape. Having established context, its place Milanese society. Internal external sources are utilized describe history same period. evidence transition from Roman imperial capital metropolis limited, it only earliest that able engage positioning urban Sant’Ambrogio’s placed 784–789 context Charlemagne’s conquests. royal set train following centuries, but also, points out, became ‘pinch point’ intrigue. traces gifts over next 250 years, detailing power their relationship estates He marshals confirm status ‘real city’ distinct society part, situating hinterland utilizing dossiers establish connect communities. A overview ‘manorial system’ followed monastery’s Campione, Gnignano Colgono, Valtellina, Limonta Inzago, all valley lakes Como Lugano. is, perhaps, most effective Balzaretti’s monograph. His emphasis collections gives voices communities changes caused land foundations. Legal detail control leading tensions roles. It also details interactivity secular, majority holdings being worked laity. presentation as...
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