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Does anyone specialize in Lombard history or know the essential key works (both classic and contemporary) in this area?

I'm transitioning into early medieval studies and need to build a solid foundation in Lombard history. I'm looking for guidance on who the recognized experts are and which books or articles are considered indispensable. Which works are the "must-reads" that every serious student of the Lombards should know? I'm interested in political history, material culture, and social structures.

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By Veena Answered 1 year ago

For building expertise, start with these specialists and their key works:
Specialists:
Neil Christie: The Lombards: The Ancient Longobards (1995, 1998) remains a vital survey.
Walter Pohl: Werkstätte der Erinnerung: Montecassino und die Gestaltung der langobardischen Vergangenheit and numerous articles on Lombard identity.
Chris Wickham: Early Medieval Italy (1981) is classic; his later Framing the Early Middle Ages (2005) provides essential context.
Paolo Delogu: Introduction to the Sources of Medieval History (Italian) and many studies on Lombard institutions.
Essential Works:
Jörg Jarnut, Storia dei Longobardi (Italian translation available).
"Italy in the Early Middle Ages" (ed. Cristina La Rocca) – excellent collection.
The Cambridge Medieval History, Vol. II – for broader context.
Archaeological reports from major sites like Brescia, Cividale, and Castelseprio.
Engage with the "Longobardia" series published by the CISAM (Centro Italiano di Studi sull'Alto Medioevo) for deep specialist studies.

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