1. Le istituzioni politiche edificate nella Valle dell'Esaro da Roberto il Guiscardo nella seconda metà dell'XI secolo

The aim of this article is to analyse the structure of the political institutions implanted by Robert Guiscard in the 11th century in a very specific geographical area: the Esaro Valley, the northern part of the Crati Valley, in the north of Calabria. The analysis is not intended to delve into the sources in search of hidden truths, scientific novelties or interpretations; instead, it is intended to be a summary of a historical-geographical framework that is currently latent. The study is set in the period beginning in the mid-11th century, in which we witness the transfer of control of Southern Italy from the Byzantine Empire to the newly-born Norman kingdom, brought about by the conquests of Robert Guiscard and the Altavilla family; this represents a crucial moment in the history of Calabria and Southern Italy. This region, previously an integrated periphery in a state increasingly focused on the Balkans and the Mediterranean East, now found itself at the centre of the formation of a new state entity. The new institutional and administrative structures, both secular and ecclesiastical, introduced during this period brought significant and impactful changes to local traditions, deeply rooted in the long Roman rule. The organisation that follows in the kingdom, supported by the legitimacy of papal appointment, manages to skilfully and pragmatically reintegrate elements of the previous administrative order. This occurs through the re-use of local leaders and the retention of titles and honours, albeit with new functions and responsibilities. In the first part of this article, it is analysed the literature about the subject, then the methodology and materials used as sources and support for the research. In the second part, we have a theorical focus on the political institutions of the Middle Age: the feudal system. Then, the political structure occurred during the last period of the Byzantine Empire in the north of Calabria, in order to have a first picture of the situation that the Normans found when they conquered the region. The final chapter will focus on the institutional innovation and the changes that Robert Guiscard made on the previous political system.