The female foundation of St. Sophia in Benevento: Ambitions and limits of a political project in Lombard Southern Italy (eight - ninth Centuries)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6092/1593-2214/6047Keywords:
Lombards, Female Monasticism, 8th-9th Centuries, Southern Italy, Middle AgesAbstract
Italian scholarship has already underscored the similarities between the royal foundation of St. Salvatore of Brescia and St. Sofia of Benevento, founded by Arechis, duke of Benevento, before 774. However, St. Sofia is still considered not only as a family foundation but also as the “Lom- bards’ national sanctuary” in Southern Italy. Taking into account Arechis’ political project and strategies of representation of his public authority, this study aims to reconsider both the family dimension and the political and religious role of St. Sofia in Lombard Southern Italy. During the first half of the ninth century, the role of the monastery changed as a consequence of the politi- cal, social and devotional transformations that were taking place in Benevento. The last part of this study, therefore, focuses on the role of St. Sofia and the monastery’s relationship with the princes after the end of Arechis’ dynasty.
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