Theoderic and the Roman Imperial Restoration
Theoderic and the Roman Imperial Restoration
This book provides a new interpretation of the fall of the Roman Empire and the 'barbarian' kingdom known conventionally as Ostrogothic Italy. Relying primarily on Italian textual and material evidence, and in particular the works of Cassiodorus and Ennodius, Jonathan J. Arnold argues that contemporary Italo-Romans viewed the Ostrogothic kingdom as the Western Roman Empire and its 'barbarian' king, Theoderic (r.489/93–526), as its emperor. Investigating conceptions of Romanness, Arnold explains how the Roman past, both immediate and distant, allowed Theoderic and his Goths to find acceptance in Italy as Romans, with roles essential to the Empire's perceived recovery. Theoderic and the Roman Imperial Restoration demonstrates how Theoderic's careful attention to imperial traditions, good governance, and reconquest followed by the re-Romanization of lost imperial territories contributed to contemporary sentiments of imperial resurgence and a golden age. There was no need for Justinian to restore the Western Empire: Theoderic had already done so.
- Extensive use of the works of Ennodius and Cassiodorus, with many passages provided in English translation for the first time
- Places Ostrogothic 'Italy' within a broader geographical and chronological context, including two chapters dedicated to Gaul and coverage beginning with the early fifth century
- Intentionally Italo-centric in its source-base, emphasizing the perceptions of Theoderic's subjects rather than others
Reviews & endorsements
'This volume is a valuable contribution to our understanding of Ostrogothic Italy and its place in the historiography of the Roman and post-Roman west. Thoughtful and engaging, Arnold presents the history of Ostrogothic Italy as it was understood in the fifth and early sixth centuries rather than through categories and assumptions imposed upon the period by modern historians.' Samuel Cohen, The Classical Review
'The book is endlessly fascinating and an artful exercise in high-quality historical writing and research.' Charles N. Aull, The Medieval Review
'… [a] stimulating study.' The Medieval History Journal
'Theoderic and the Imperial Restoration offers an insightful and engaging history of Ostrogothic Italy as it was understood, and to some extent imagined, by those who experienced it first hand. As an analysis not only of the sources themselves but also of the politics of Italy during a period of unprecedented change (even if such change is minimized by the sources), Arnold's book is a valuable contribution to our understanding of Ostrogothic Italy and its place within the historiography of late antiquity.' Sean W. Lafferty, Early Medieval Europe
Product details
October 2018Paperback
9781107679474
352 pages
228 × 154 × 22 mm
0.55kg
Available
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Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Part I. An Empire Turned Upside-Down:
- 1. Ennodius the Ligurian
- 2. Cassiodorus the Calabrian
- Part II. Emperor Theoderic:
- 3. Princeps romanus
- 4. The Imperial image
- Part III. Italo-Romans and Roman Goths:
- 5. Men of Mars
- 6. Rex genitus, vir inlustris
- Part IV. Italia Felix:
- 7. Italy revived
- 8. Rome rejuvenated
- Part V. Renovatio Imperii:
- 9. Becoming post-Roman
- 10. Gallia felix
- Epilogue.
