The Historial Importance of Godfrey of Viterbo

"The Historical Importance of Godfrey of Viterbo." This article challenges a number of assumptions that have collectively informed the prevailing scholarly perception of the late twelfth-century chronicler Godfrey of Viterbo. In particular, the study contests the beliefs that Godfrey held a prominent position in the imperial chancery, that he enjoyed a close personal association with the Hohenstaufen rulers Frederick Barbarossa and Henry VI, and that his works served a political function at the imperial court. A critical review of the pertinent historical evidence demonstrates that all three of these assumptions are based ultimately on the chronicler's own self-promotional statements and on previous scholars' misinterpretations of the medieval transmission of his works. Following from this conclusion, the article offers a reanalysis of the evolution of Godfrey's works in light of their author's career and position at the court.