The People at the Edge of the Empire: The representation of the Breton and Lombard identities in Carolingian historiography, 751–901.

Abstract

The Carolingian Empire was inhabited by far more peoples than just Franks. Two of these peoples were the Bretons and Lombards. This thesis examines the manner in which the Bretons and Lombards were represented by Carolingian historians. What do the Breton and Lombard identities entail according to Carolingian authors? How do these perceptions develop over the course of 150 years (751 – 901)? How do these identities fit within the Carolingian worldview and Carolingian self-perception? And in what situations do Carolingian historians use ethnic identifications? Five sets of annals are analysed to answer these questions.