Considerations about the war in the Summa Totius Honorio Agustodunense

Abstract

Honorius Augustodunensis (XIIth century), in his universal chronicle entitled Summa totius de omnimoda historia, makes numerous comments that reveal an opinion very contrary to warfare and to any kind of violence. This can be seen in three episodes of ancient history: the conquests of Alexander the Great, the formation of the Roman Empire and the rulers of the Jewish people. But Honorius is also very critical of war in his own time and, in particular, of the disputes between the Roman Empire and the Papacy. Thus, Honorius’ comments on history disclose a real doctrine on warfare and, in turn, allow us to speculate on the identity of this enigmatic author.