King Samo in Historical Context: 1400th Anniversary of the Beginning of his Reign

A multiauthor scholarly book is based on a symposium with international participation, organised in collaboration between Alma Mater Europaea University and the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts to mark the 1400th anniversary of the beginning of King Samo's reign. The publication offers a comprehensive view of King Samo, the first known ruler of the Slavs, who established the Slavic kingdom in the 7th century. The work delves into his life, reign, and influence on the Slavic territory from a political, historical, literary, and cultural perspective.

The chapter's authors are esteemed and respected Slovenian and international experts from different institutions. Dr Peter Štih focuses primarily on his connections with early Slovenian history and the wider Slavic region, and how Samo's reign among the Slavs reflects the beginnings of political organisation in the Eastern Alpine region. About the cultural and communication space of Samo's kingdom, Dr Marko Snoj also initiated a discussion on the Slavic and Proto-Slavic language in the 7th century, and the meaning of Samo's name based on linguistic elements from that time. Dr Jakub Izdný emphasises the symbolic power of Samo's empire in Czech and Slovak historiographical literature and historiography and its significance as a historical symbol. In her contribution, Dr Naďa Profantová also presents an archaeological insight into the trade routes and long-standing contacts of 7th-century Bohemia. At the same time, Dr Darja Mihelič focuses on preserving Samo's reign in historiography between the 15th and 18th centuries. An analysis of the only direct source, Fredegar's chronicle, and its various interpretations, thus leads to a deeper understanding of his role in shaping early Slavic identity and political independence. The book was reviewed by Dr Aleš Maver and Dr Janez Mlinar, and Dr Daniel Siter edited it.

Much about King Samo remains unknown to this day, yet his reign's power as a symbol is growing, while discussions and interpretations of his life are rapidly increasing. Given that historians have found only one relevant historical source on King Samo, the work calls for new discussions by authors and serves as an incentive for further research into early medieval political and cultural views of the Slavs.

The publication is intended for researchers and students of history, archaeology, linguistics, literary studies, and cultural studies, experts on the early Middle Ages in Europe, teachers and educational institutions dealing with the history of the Slavs, and the general public interested in the symbolism of the first known Slavic ruler. The publication also invites reflection on King Samo's role and historical and symbolic significance.