Monte Cassino in the Middle Ages
Dale Kinney|Herbert A. Bloch
The monastery of Monte Cassino, founded by St. Benedict in the sixth century, was cradle Western monasticism. It became one vital centers culture and learning Europe. At height its influence, eleventh early twelfth centuries, two abbots (including Desiderius) monks popes, it controlled a vast network dependencies churches, monasteries, villages, farms especially central southern Italy.Herbert Bloch's study, product forty years research, takes as starting point twelfth-century bronze doors basilica abbey, most significant relic medieval structure. panels these are inscribed with list more than 180 abbey's possessions. Mr. Bloch has supplemented this roster lists found papal imperial privileges other documents. heart book is detailed investigation nearly 700 Cassino from to century beyond. No comparable study or any great institution ever before been undertaken.Ironically, bombing 1944, which destroyed monastery, that led an unexpected revelation: discovery, on reverse side some doors, magnificent engraved figures patriarchs apostles. These proved be remnants church portal ordered Constantinople Desiderius marked beginning grandiose reconstruction abbey church, latter become model for many churches. In order solve riddle investigated Byzantine origin Italy Italian master Oderisius Benevento, well those S. Clemente Casauria cathedral Benevento. Also included political cultural impact Byzantium chapter Constantinus Africanus, Saracen turned monk, interesting history medicine.The text sumptuously illustrated 193 plates; 300 illustrations have never published. This three-volume work, nine indexes, offers wealth information scholars different fields.
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