Historia pontificalis

work by John of Salisbury

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June 29, 2026

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The Historia pontificalis is a historical work written around 1163 by John of Salisbury. It offers a vivid account of the papal court during the mid-12th century, featuring character sketches of notable figures. John of Salisbury, a prominent Latinist and secretary to archbishops of Canterbury, served in the Roman Curia, providing him with firsthand experience of the papal administration. His work reflects his observations and critiques of the era's political and ecclesiastical landscape, contrasting contemporary practices with classical ideals.1

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John Of Salisbury
His Historia pontificalis (c. 1163) gives a vivid description of the papal court during this period, partly through its character sketches. From 1153 John’s main duty was to draft the archbishopric’s official correspondence with the Curia, especially in connection with appeals. In the late summer of…
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His Historia pontificalis (c. 1163) gives a vivid description of the papal court during this period, partly through its character sketches. From 1153 John’s main duty was to draft the archbishopric’s official correspondence with the Curia, especially in connection with appeals. In the late summer of…
Read More