Peace and good government in the episcopal image of Berardo Maggi

The essay analyses, under different aspects, the actions and the figure of Berardo Maggi-the bishop of Brescia (1275-1308) and the “ruler” of the city-that represent a paradigmatic example (even if only partially realized) of the commitment political and religious, aimed at the dynastic transmission of the power. In particular, the use of tools of propaganda and public promotion of his own person, in the last period of his government, and the patronage of large public works are closely associated with the ideological construction of the image of the bishop as the peacemaker of Brescia and the supporter to the prosperity of the town, in the hierocratic tradition.