The Restoration of Rome: Barbarian Popes and Imperial Pretenders by Peter Heather
George E. Demacopoulos
Reviewed by: The Restoration of Rome: Barbarian Popes and Imperial Pretenders by Peter Heather George E. Demacopoulos Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013 Pp. 470. $34.95. Heather’s lengthy study assesses four successive efforts various entities to become the legitimate successor Roman Empire in Western Europe. Throughout, displays a broad knowledge political, military, religious history late Roman, early Byzantine, Carolingian worlds. Part One explores career Gothic king Theodoric tracing how came rule Italy with tacit approval East Romans, why he embraced persona romanitas, Goths fell apart so quickly after his death. Two proceeds similarly reign (Heather’s preferred parlance) emperor Justinian. Here, suggests that although Justinian’s began rather tenuously, managed achieve genuine strength through large political gambles (the promotion law code invasions North Africa Italy). This part concludes consideration whether or not wars brought ruin empire (Heather proposes they did not). Three spans rise fall Carolingians especially ways which Charlemagne seek authorization provided Pope Leo means enact clerical reforms throughout ultimately benefitted Church. Four progresses differently than others it examines Church as different kind entity could lay claim imperial power prestige. Papacy’s ability actualize its age-old Christian authority only became possible developments post-Carolingian environment. An important question for volume is none these states was ever able sustain prestige original empire. He offers several compelling reasons, might be summarized technology, succession, Islam. In other words, enjoyed same degree technological advantage (militarily, economically, agriculturally) over their neighbors Romans possessed. Moreover, each medieval reincarnation Rome lacked internal cohesion absorb eventual dynastic challenges when most dynamic leaders passed. Finally, [End Page 451] Islam forever altered dynamics Mediterranean offered direct counter any unchallenged dominance geographic space Empire. It worth noting true successors limited possession Italy, and, thus, essentially restricted possesses an exceptional command sources (especially late-ancient sources) demonstrates enviable instinct know particular ancient source should considered more less suspicious on given point. What more, book written lively accessible prose invites non-specialist. These skills make grand narrative account plausible explanations dramatic, albeit slow moving, changes occurred European Middle Ages. Given generalist’s grand-narrative approach book, specialists one areas will surely find certain claims glosses problematic regarding static portrayal Christianity Rome’s states). And, at times, reads like little summary warfare. But provides connective insights are well considering. For example, situates Papal States within context struggles Iconoclasm. And discussion de facto leader Latin vis-à-vis previous role quite suggestive further reflection. scope project (and book’s length), perhaps surprising never really engages what call discourse Romanitas—in words...
Journal of Early Christian Studies