The treatise of Lorenzo Valla on the Donation of Constantine

About this book

In the early 15th century, a pivotal challenge to ecclesiastical authority emerged with Lorenzo Valla's incisive critique of the Donation of Constantine. This treatise meticulously dissects the document’s authenticity, revealing its fabrication and the implications for papal power. Valla’s arguments highlight the significance of textual analysis and the concept of “unalienable rights,” reshaping the discourse on authority and legitimacy in the Renaissance. Ideal for historians and civic activists, "The Treatise of Lorenzo Valla on the Donation of Constantine" serves as a crucial resource for understanding the intersection of faith, power, and human rights. Dive into Valla’s revolutionary insights that continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about governance and truth.