ROMAN SUCCESSION AND THE MAKING OF CHRISTIAN KINGDOMS: EXAMPLIFIED BY ST. IDISORE OF SEVILLE’S WRITINGS (“HISTORIA DE REGIBUS GOTHORUM, VANDALORUM ET SUEVORUM”)

Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this article is to analyze the development of crucial religiopolitical medieval concepts using the example of St. Isidore’s account of Visigothic and Roman history.Methodology. Textual analysis of the works of St. Isidore of Seville is the prime focus of this article. A variety of methods are used, including hermeneutics and comparative historical analysis.Results. This study highlights and puts a new perspective on some key differences between various early medieval concepts of Roman succession and Christian polity.Research implications. The research results contribute to the development of the theoretical framework for studies of early medieval religiopolitical thought.

Keywords

• Isidore of Seville
• History of the Goths
• Visigothic Kingdom
• Byzantium
• Roman Empire
• Christendom