Sources for the Laurentian Schism. Introduction, Translation, and Commentary

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Hans-Ulrich Wiemer
• Subject Area: Ancient History
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 517901396

In 498, two clerics, Laurentius and Symmachus, were elected Pope in Rome at the same time. With the mediation of the Gothic king Theoderic, Laurentius initially gives in and Symmachus is confirmed as pope. But this does not resolve the conflict. Various accusations are discussed in a series of synods, that do not yield results. After Symmachus' return, two popes ruled Rome until the king ended the schism in 506 by deposing Laurentius. Nevertheless, there was still considerable resistance in the clergy and senate of Rome until the death of Symmachus in 514. Known as the Laurentian Schism, this church schism in Rome (498 to 506) has received much attention since the late 19th century because of its high significance for the history of the late antique papacy and the history of the Gothic kingdom in Italy. Nevertheless, there is still no consensus even on basic questions. This already concerns the chronology of events. Furthermore, there is a lack of agreement on the causes of the schism, which also extends to the exact subject of the dispute (handling of church property, relationship with the emperor in Byzantium). Finally, the role of the Gothic king is assessed very differently in research. Against the background of this state of research, an annotated translation of the relevant sources must be considered a desideratum of research. The Laurentian Schism has produced a whole series of contemporary testimonies that can be divided into four groups: synodal minutes and acts, papal biographies, a pamphlet and several letters. The project plans to publish an edition of these texts with an introduction, translation and historical commentary in book form. This will clarify open questions and at the same time make the relevant sources available in a handy form for further research.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants