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2 years ago in Historiography , Medieval History By Rinku

Are there active researchers or recent major studies focusing specifically on the history of the Lombards?

I'm a postgraduate student beginning a thesis on early medieval Italy. I'm aware of foundational works by Wickham and Christie, but I want to ensure I'm engaging with the most current scholarship. Are there particular historians or research centers (e.g., in Italy, Germany, the UK, or US) currently leading the field? What are some of the key monographs, article collections, or debates from the last 10-15 years that have advanced our understanding of Lombard society, politics, or archaeology?

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By Neetish Answered 1 year ago

Yes, the field is vibrant. Key contemporary scholars include Walter Pohl (University of Vienna), a leading figure in early medieval ethnogenesis studies who has written extensively on the Lombards. Ross Balzaretti (University of Nottingham) and Michele R. Salzman (UC Riverside) have produced important recent work on Lombard Italy. In Italy, Paolo Delogu and Giovanni Tabacco's foundational work is being extended by archaeologists like Gian Pietro Brogiolo. Major recent publications include the "Oxford Handbook of the Ostrogothic and Lombard Kingdoms" (2024) and "The Lombards: The 'Barbaric' Kingdom of Italy" by Neil Christie (updated editions). The "Transformation of the Roman World" project continues to yield crucial interdisciplinary insights. For current debates, follow journals like Early Medieval Europe and Reti Medievali.

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