The treatise of Lorenzo Valla on the Donation of Constantine

The book opens by tracing the legendary “Donation of Constantine,” a forged imperial charter that for nearly a millennium bolstered the papacy’s claim to supreme authority over both church and state. It explains how the document slipped into medieval canon law, shaped centuries of power struggles, and was invoked by popes and reformers alike, reinforcing the delicate dance between spiritual and secular realms.

Against this backdrop, Lorenzo Valla’s daring 15th‑century treatise emerges as a turning point. Using meticulous word‑study and internal criticism—techniques that foreshadow modern historical scholarship—Valla exposed the forgery’s linguistic flaws and dismantled its credibility. His work not only shattered a cornerstone of papal legitimacy but also inaugurated a new scientific approach to textual analysis.

Reading this concise translation offers a glimpse into the birth of critical inquiry, showing how one scholar’s relentless curiosity reshaped the relationship between faith, power, and history. It remains a compelling entry point for anyone interested in the foundations of modern historiography.