Accounts of Medieval Authors on the Antique History of the Area between Syrmium and Aquileia

Abstract

The history of the middle Danubian area, Western Balkans and Northern Adriatic countries from the first interventions of Rome in the 2nd century B.C. till the decline of the antique world due to the settlement of Slavs at transition from the 6th to the 7th century is reported by 15 Byzantine and at least 60 western authors in the time 7th - 15th century. Accounts of medieval authors are based mostIy on the today known sources from the late Antiquity; with authors, coming from the area, dealt with, or from the vicinity, legendary tradition and falsifications of the Middle Ages are strongIy present as well. With very rare exceptions the reports of medieval authors don't bring any enrichment of the knowledge about the antique history. Both Byzantine and western authors showed special interest for events where, to their conviction, God's will was manifested and had the significance of victory of the orthodox Christianity.