Essays examining the Langobards, with important conclusions for early medieval Italy. The Langobards or Lombards were the last Germanic group to invade the Roman Mediterranean, crossing the Alps into Italy in 568-9. They were nonetheless one of the longest-lasting, for their state survived Charlemagne's conquest in774, and was the core of the medieval kingdom of Italy. The incompleteness of their conquest of Italy was also one of the root causes of Italian division for over 1300 years after their arrival. But they present a challenge to the historian, for most of the evidence for them dates to the last half-century of their independence, up to 774, a period in which Langobard Italy was a coherent and apparently tightly-governed state by early medieval standards. How they reached this from the incoherent and disorganised situation visible in late sixth-century Italy is still a matter of debate. The historians and archaeologists who contribute to this volume discuss Langobard archaeologyand material culture both before and after their invasion, Langobard language, political organisation, the church, social structures, family structures, and urban economy. It is thus an important and up to date starting point forfuture research on early medieval Italy. Contributors: G. AUSENDA, S. BARNISH, S. BRATHER, T.S. BROWN, N. CHRISTIE, M. COSTAMBEYS, P. DELOGU, D. GREEN, W. HAUBRICHS, J. HENNING, B. WARD-PERKINS, C. WICKHAM.

A comprehensive introduction to the sources, methods, and theories most often used by historians of the western middle ages, "Introduction to Medieval History" explores the origins of the idea of the 'middle ages' and its development in Renaissance and modern European historical discourse, the problem of periodisation and the principal themes of modern historiography. The sources of medieval history are described in detail, with chapters on history-writing in the middle ages, administrative and legal documents, coinage and the evidence of archaeology. Professor Delogu examines the materials of medieval history and the historical circumstances of their production and use, with accounts of the methods of analysis and interpretation employed by medievalists. Throughout, the reader is provided with extensive and up-to-date bibliographies for the key areas of medieval studies. The aim of the book is to enable students of medieval history to approach the written and material cultures of the period directly. The result: a handbook adapted to the needs of undergraduates and junior research students (and their teachers), and indeed anyone interested in this period of European history.