IMC 2016: Sessions

The theme of disorder and violence in medieval Italy between the advent of the Lombards in 568-69 and the death of Roger II of Sicily in 1154 is the prime focus of this session. The chronological range encompasses Lombard Italy 568-774, Carolingian Italy 774-888, the 'National' Kingdom 888-962 and beyond to Ottonian and Salian rule in the North of the peninsula; all periods marked by violent change. In the south, the period sees the fragmentation of political entities in the 9th century, the assertion of new powers in the 10th century with notable Byzantine and Islamic impacts and, subsequently, the rise and consolidation of the Norman Kingdom of Sicily. Beyond the geo-political sphere, the period sees raids and disturbance caused by Magyars and Muslims, the development of strategies in urban and rural communities to combat instability and insecurity, growing self-awareness, self-government and cohesion of cities e.g., Venice, Naples, Amalfi etc., and economic and social disorder in urban environments. The aim is to cover a wide geographical and chronological range in Italy to encourage and develop common themes across the peninsula. Was violence a cause or consequence of political and social change? How was violence normalised within the various societies of early medieval Italy? How were different types of violence represented in the sources? These questions are important throughout the period and need to be considered with a wide view.