The Label ‘Greeks’ in the Papal Diplomatic Repertoire in the Eighth Century
Clemens Gantner
How were identities created in the early Middle Ages and when did they matter? This book explores different types of sources to understand ways which contributed making ethnic religious communities meaningful: historiography hagiography, biblical exegesis works theology, sermons letters. Thus, it sets out widen horizon current debates on ethnicity identity. The Christianization dissolution Roman Empire had provoked a crisis traditional opened new spaces for identification. What textual resources could rely, however precariously? Biblical models Christian discourses be used variety aims identifications, volume provides some exemplary analyses these distinct voices. Barbarian polities developed rich varied framework ‘strategies identification’. contributions reconstruct this discursive matrix its development from age Augustine Carolingians. In course process, religion amalgamated way that became fundamental European history, acquired an important political role post-Roman kingdoms. extensive introduction not only draws together individual studies, but also addresses issues definition ethnicity, relationship between practices It offers methodological basis is valid studies identity general.
Cultural encounters in late antiquity and the Middle Ages