In 2013, Incontri’s editorial board aims to publish a thematic issue about the Italian Middle Ages (from circa 500 to circa 1500).

In this issue, attention will be given to the various forms of power on stage of the Italian peninsula in the Middle Ages – a time when kings, emperors and popes vied for control over parts of the territory, while scattered, autonomous city-states emerged.

These political leaders appealed to a wide range of cultural instruments in order to legitimize their power and to flourish. To assist their agendas, chronicles were filled with heroic deeds and political theories that supported the hegemonies were spun. Artists were employed to visually support the legitimacy of claims on a particular area, or to represent an illustrious, noble lineage. Important buildings were erected to manifest and indicate centers of power. These public places offered platforms for politically motivated parades and other rituals and spectacles.

Power was not exclusively exercized in a purely masculine domain. The Italian Middle Ages offered a rich array of distinguished women of power. Moreover, the right to power rarely remained uncontested. Indeed, medieval literature is littered with acrimonious, sometimes cleverly veiled, criticism of the leaders of the moment.

In conclusion, the theme proposed by Incontri, highlighting the relationship between medieval politics and culture, offers ample space for a wide range of contributions from different departure points, such as (art) historical, literary and archaeological perspectives. Additionally, the editorial board also welcomes contributions such as reflections on the use of medieval images, symbolism or rhetoric in modern Italian political agendas (e.g. Fascism or Lega Nord).