Byzantine Religious Law in Medieval Italy (Oxford Studies in Byzantium)

Name: Byzantine Religious Law in Medieval Italy (Oxford Studies in Byzantium)
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Book Synopsis: Southern Italy was conquered by the Norman Hauteville dynasty in the late eleventh century after over five hundred years of continuous Byzantine rule. At a stroke, the region's Greek Christian inhabitants were cut off from their Orthodox compatriots in Byzantium and became subject to the spiritual and legal jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic popes. Nonetheless, they continued to follow the religious laws of the Byzantine church; out of thirty-six surviving manuscripts of Byzantine canon law produced between the tenth and fourteenth centuries, the majority date to the centuries after the Norman conquest.

Byzantine Religious Law in Medieval Italy is a historical study of these manuscripts, exploring how and why the Greek Christians of medieval southern Italy persisted in using them so long after the end of Byzantine rule. The first part of the book provides an overview of the source material and the history of Italo-Greek Christianity. The second part examines the development of Italo-Greek canon law manuscripts from the last century of Byzantine rule to the late twelfth century, arguing that the Normans' opposition to papal authority created a laissez faire atmosphere in which Greek Christians could continue to follow Byzantine religious law unchallenged. Finally, the third part analyses the papacy's successful efforts to assert its jurisdiction over southern Italy in the later Middle Ages. While this brought about the end of Byzantine canon law as an effective legal system in the region, the Italo-Greeks still drew on their legal heritage to explain and justify their distinctive religious rites to their Latin neighbours.

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Discover the rich history of Byzantine religious law in medieval Italy with "Byzantine Religious Law in Medieval Italy" from Oxford Studies in Byzantium. Immerse yourself in the captivating tale of how the Greek Christians of southern Italy persisted in following the religious laws of the Byzantine church long after the region fell under Roman Catholic jurisdiction.

This groundbreaking historical study delves deep into the thirty-six surviving manuscripts of Byzantine canon law from the centuries after the Norman conquest. Learn about the development of Italo-Greek canon law manuscripts and explore the unique circumstances that allowed Greek Christians to continue practicing Byzantine religious law unchallenged.

Uncover the intriguing story of the Normans' opposition to papal authority, which created a laissez faire atmosphere that preserved the Italo-Greeks' adherence to their cherished legal traditions. Revel in the captivating narrative that intertwines religious, legal, and political history.

As you journey through the pages of this meticulously researched book, you will gain invaluable insights into the papacy's efforts to assert its jurisdiction over southern Italy in the later Middle Ages. Witness the end of Byzantine canon law as an effective legal system in the region, but also discover how the Italo-Greeks drew on their legal heritage to explain and justify their distinctive religious rites to their Latin neighbors.

Are you ready to explore the rich tapestry of Byzantine religious law in medieval Italy? Dive into "Byzantine Religious Law in Medieval Italy" and embark on an intellectual journey like no other. To start your adventure, click here.

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