Strategie politiche e furta sacra in Italia méridionale (secc. VIII-XIII)

The phenomenon of furta sacra in the medieval centuries has been well investigated by historiography, which has highlighted the multiplicity of meanings, devotional, political and economic. This paper briefly examines the phenomenon from its origins, highlighting how it is an expression of a theological reflection and a mindset that evolved since the early Christian centuries. In particular, we focus on some examples of furta sacra relating especially to Southern Italy. We highlight the context and the finality of the analyzed actions, and propose a reading that uncovers the political significance and power dynamics that underlie. The cases of Benevento, Bari and Amalfi, which were the objects of our specific attention, show that the promoters of the theft of relics were well aware of the meaning and importance of these operations, especially when they served to measure the respective power of the cities involved or that of the social groups which were the protagonists of the possible conflicts related to these issues.