Between Ritual and Narrative. The Exercising of Authority in Dalmatian Medieval Chronicles
Between Ritual and Narrative. The Exercising of Authority in Dalmatian Medieval Chronicles

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the narrative use of ritualized and symbolic actions in medieval Dalmatian chronicles as instruments for exercising and representing authority. Focusing on two markedly different works: the History of the Bishops of Salona and Split by Thomas the Archdeacon and the anonymous Chronicle of the Priest of Duklja. It argues that descriptions of rituals function primarily as narrative devices rather than faithful records of social practice. Drawing on the concept of Spielregeln der Politik ("rules of the political game") the study approaches ritual as a flexible element within struggles for power, allowing chroniclers to legitimize authority, highlight norms or traditions or discredit opponents. In both texts, ritual emerges not as a mirror of historical reality but as a narrative strategy shaped by the chronicler's perspective and narrative strategy.

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