Theodoric in Spoleto: Week of Studies for the 1500th Anniversary

Theodoric in Spoleto: a week of studies for the 1500th anniversary

From 9 to 14 April 2026 Spoleto becomes a hub for early medieval studies: the Italian Centre for Early Medieval Studies (CISAM) stages a Week of Studies dedicated to Theodoric the Amal, marking the 1500th anniversary of his death. Scholars, archaeologists and specialists from across Europe will discuss the political, social and economic features of his reign.

The meeting aims to provide a multidisciplinary perspective that goes beyond mere commemoration, combining critical analysis of written sources with the material evidence emerging from recent excavations.

Archaeological focus and topics

• Sources and power: critical readings of contemporary texts to understand Teodoric's institutions;
• Excavations and fortified landscape: reports on recent digs clarifying how the Goths organized defenses and settlements;
• Economy and settlements: studies on urban centres and economic networks during a period of transition;
• Law and religion: institutional balance between Roman legacy and emerging Christian norms;
• Posthumous reception: Theodoric's transformation in medieval literature and popular tradition.

The archaeological sessions will provide technical insight into stratigraphy, ceramic assemblages and defensive structures that are reshaping our understanding of Gothic presence in the peninsula.

Programme and participation

The event opens at Teatro Caio Melisso with a keynote lecture and continues at Palazzo Arroni until 14 April. The Week of Studies is open to the public; concessions are available for students and professionals, as well as discounts on specialist publications.

To ensure international access, the conference includes full streaming and an AI-supported simultaneous translation system. The detailed programme and registration information can be found on the CISAM official website.

Relevance for Archaeological Sites

This scholarly meeting offers a timely opportunity to link excavation data with historiographical interpretation, promoting new reconstructions of settlement networks and defensive infrastructures. The archaeological evidence presented will help guide future research priorities and conservation strategies for the sites concerned.