La formazione della sancta Ecclesia Marabensis (858-882). Fonti e linguaggi di un progetto papale
Maddalena Betti
My research focuses on realising a study Methodius' archbishopric and the papal politics of 9th century concerning central Europe. Besides my work sources huge historiography this theme which dates from 19th second half 20th century, serves as basis for analysis. This poses significant challenge to project according ideological polemical tendency large part literature. But course these extensive results can't be ignored therefore adaptation contextualisation due modern standards critical analysis main topics, aims methodological approaches are an important project. examines new prospects in discussing traditional historiographical problems foundation ecclesiastical territoriality Europe it concentrates recovering long neglected sources; therefore, Roman (for example Liber Pontificalis or pope's registers), Slavic (the Vita Costantini Methodi) German (Annales fuldenses Conversio Bagoariorum et Carantanorum) will subjects systematic investigation. The letters Pope John VIII serve source (872-882), especially corpus (seven fragments four complete letters), represents possibility observe towards rising Methodius.
The also linguistic one. I concentrate vocabulary defining Methodian its archbishop used correspondence between Slav chief Svatopluk. allows understand stages dynamical flexible politic: at beginning written cautious style, reflecting awareness alternating historical territorial circumstances. After Svatopluk's confirmation increased political stability that region, became more audacious. Moreover efforts were made justification legitimation diocese, order decrease influence continuous objections Bavarian church having had tried reject intrusion over missionary territories by claiming them ones assigned Carolingian authority. precious documents testify effort find untouchable identity right canonical position Methodius. first attempt consists assigning strategy already adopted during furious polemic Rome Constantinople about control Bulgarian Christianity. In term Pannonian diocese is suddenly replaced Moravian diocese. seems establish with name, can regarded independent late past.The change diocese's name signifies radical transformation demonstrating effective sovereignty reacts realities along eastern borders Empire. context, it's obvious relationships chiefs, absolute guarantors survival realities, gain significantly importance.