Who wrote the life of Leo IV? Gratian, the superista, and his network

Betti, Maddalena (2025) Who wrote the life of Leo IV? Gratian, the superista, and his network. In: Aristocratic networks. Elites and social dynamics in Italy in the age of Lothar I. Reti Medievali E-Book (53). Firenze University Press, Firenze, pp. 257-272. ISBN 979-12-215-0771-3

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Abstract

[EN] The life of Leo IV included in the Liber pontificalis is a valuable text for reflecting on the Roman aristocracy during the years of the Emperors Lothar I and Louis II. It contains numerous episodes in which Roman proceres appear alongside the pontiff or are depicted as the main protagonists of the events. In this paper, I have analysed the possible targets of these representations by highlighting the “aristocratic” involvement in the process of writing papal biographies. The study led to a consideration of the role played by the superista Gratian as the focus of the network constituted by elite papal officials. Hence, it provides evidence on the relations maintained by Gratian’s elite with emperors and pontiffs; the ways in which the elite was formed, and the strategies deployed to ensure its social pre-eminence in spite the succession of pontiffs.

Tipologia del documento:	Capitolo di libro
Parole chiave:	Middle Ages; ninth century; Liber pontificalis; Pope Leo IV; Pope Benedict III; Roman aristocracy; Gratian superista
Soggetto:	D History General and Old World > D History (General) > D111 Medieval History
Depositato da:	dr Vincenzo De Luise
Depositato il:	10 Set 2026 03:05
Ultima modifica:	10 Set 2026 03:05
URI:	https://www.rmoa.unina.it/id/eprint/10472

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