A Matter of Faith and Works: Byzantine Leaders and Christian Leadership in the Historia Langobardorum
Ethan James WIlliamson
The late eighth-century Historia Langobardorum by Paul the Deacon is a narrative 
history of Lombard people from their mythic origins up to reign King Liutprand in 
Italy 744. As only history its kind, scholars are forced rely on it for much what 
they know about Lombards and Italy sixth eighth centuries. While historians have 
had say tells us other groups, very little 
has been said presence portrayal Byzantine figures within text. Furthermore, 
it often assumed that Paul, who was himself, simply writing glorify 
preserve memory his people. My thesis reveals deeper objective behind text while 
providing an in-depth investigation Byzantines pages. I argue 
Langobardorum written promote ideal Christian leadership based upon orthodox 
faith good works, which careers leaders, especially emperors, played 
critical role. Among authority figures, correct belief righteousness rewarded 
and heresy wickedness punished. These themes tied leaders as well, but 
Byzantines served important role construction. Paul’s 
intentionally designed encourage understanding governance idealized during 
the Carolingian Renaissance.