Gli exceptores fra tarda antichità e alto medioevo. Aspetti istituzionali, sociali e culturali

This contribution aims to offer a picture of the "exceptores" and their transformations between Late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages (fifth-eighth centuries). After some general considerations concerning not only Italy, but also Gaul and Egypt, the discussion focuses then on Ravenna. The core of the investigation consists of a complete re-examination of the so-called 'Ravenna papyri". Such documents – and the "editiones gestorum" in particular – are here used to illustrate social profiles, institutional links as well as cultural and professional skills of the "exceptores". From there, the article tries at the end to reflect on the possible contribution that the documentary practices of the "exceptores" can offer to a better understanding of the "Collectio Avellana".