Le trasformazioni di un’area di frontiera del Mezzogiorno medievale (secoli IX-X). Il principato di Salerno e i territori del confine calabro-lucano: assetto istituzionale e gerarchie sociali

Abstract

The purpose and originality of the research focus on a systematic study on a wide and complex peripheral territory such as the south-eastern area of the Principality of Salerno and of those areas hardly disputed both with Lucania and the current area around Cosenza (Calabria). A further goal is to show the institutional transformations that occurred in the 9th and 10th century while defining the civilian and ecclesiastical systems in the given areas. Despite the importance of the area, nobody has ever carried out an in-depth analysis and the topic was only vaguely touched on or completely avoided. The reasons for this are a lack of sources and of an interdisciplinary commitment aiming at using different sources (documents, chronicles, hagiographies) and archaeological evidence from excavations in the area in order to compensate. The study relied on expertise in different fields, a critical approach to the sources, to diplomatics and to Greek and Latin Paleographies. The political and institutional autonomy of Lombards from the South avoids the spreading of Carolingian habits commonly in use in the rest of the Western Empire such as the feudatorybeneficial relationship or the Cortense dual system based on the obligation of workmanship. The practice of political favouritism in Southern principalities is based on giving out positions and public titles, funds political and personal relationships that are different from those typical of the Frank feudalism. A key element to establish the balance of powers in Southern Lombardian territories is the influence of the city and imperial aristocracy at the expense of the royal power, weak and unable to stop these elites. It is limited to the Palace and the Royal Court. The power is split equally between prince and aristocracy, not on a vertical hierarchy like in byzantine administration or in the many different institutions in Northern Italy. Territorial administration is under responsibility of Chamberlains, who originally may have been officers related to fiscal assets, that during the 9th century, after the Byzantine reconquest and under the influence of Ludwig II, take a more political and military connotation related to strategic areas. Earlier than in the north, the most important Chamberlains gain here the title of count. It’s an honorific title not related to the exercise of feudal powers like in the rest of Italy. Starting from the 10th century the power of the prince is centralized and strengthened. The palace in Salerno plays now a major institutional role. Rural land officers practice within the palace even if the controversy involves farmers. The influence of the prince is clear and stronger in the reorganization of peripheral districts (Cilento above them all)... [edited by Author]