Kings, Evil Courtiers, and the Intended Audience of the Historia Langobardorum

Abstract

The Historia Langobardorum (History of the Langobards) was written by Paul the Deacon in the 780s-790s. It is an important work of historiography, but little attention has been paid to the power of the text as political propaganda. This study sets out to analyze how Paul promotes harmony between Carolingians and Langobards, uplifts the image of the old Langobardic king Grimoald I, and encourages an agreeable view of the contemporary prince of Benevento, Grimoald III, who rebelled against Charlemagne in 791.