Description
Discover "Forgery and Memory at the End of the First Millennium," a groundbreaking examination of documentary forgery and its profound impact on historical memory during the Middle Ages. In this scholarly work, author Levi Roach delves into the intricate world of forged documents, shedding light on how religious institutions in Europe, particularly in the tenth and eleventh centuries, engaged in unprecedented falsification of texts. Roach skillfully explores documentary traditions across France, England, Germany, and northern Italy, revealing how this wave of forgery laid the groundwork for significant societal and political shifts. By analyzing five sets of falsified texts, the book uncovers the ways these forgeries forged new collective identities beyond the Church, reflecting a burgeoning fascination with antiquity. Roach's insights challenge traditional narratives about the emergence of antiquarianism and underscore the sophistication of medieval forgers, who were focused on local histories rather than classical literature. "Forgery and Memory at the End of the First Millennium" is an essential read for those interested in the intersection of history and memory, providing valuable perspectives on how institutions and individuals have shaped the past through falsified records. Ideal for historians, scholars, and anyone captivated by medieval studies or the evolution of documentary practices.