2: Early Medieval Kingdoms

Question 1

germanic people?

Answer 1

Used by Romans refered to tribes outside of empire

Question 2

Barbarians?

Answer 2

Modern term used to collectively refer to Germanic people

Question 3

Tradtitional view of kings, emperors and states?

Answer 3

Destruction or Roman State and Civivilation by ‘barbarian’ hoardes. Threat to Christianity from Paganism led to ‘dark ages’ due to lack of sources

Question 4

Newer Scholarship view on kings emperors and states?

Answer 4

“Dark Ages” was assimilation (taking in/understanding) of Roman State codes and laws.
- Archealogical legacy shows great creativity and skills during the period e.g. Staffordshire hoard and barbarian ‘artwork’ Also advancements in baghdad etc.

Question 5

Historiography of definition of a State?

3 historians

Answer 5

Charles Tilly: 1990: “let us define states as coercion wielding organisations that are distinct from households and kingship groups and exercise clear priority in some respects over all other organisations […] includes City states, theocracies and gov but excludes tribes, lineages and churches.

2) Max Weber: argued fundamental characteristic of a State was its “monopoly of legtimate use of violence within a given territory” legitimate violence could be police, military, private army e.g. fuedalism
3) Counter? Robert Hinrichs Bates argued State itself holds no power but peole within them do.

Question 6

How did Germanic people create states?

Answer 6

• Germanic people used single authorities through concepts of kings and tribe leaders (power). An example being Clovis, King of Franks. One of the first kings, he utilised best warriors and defeders, seen as legitimate authority

Question 7

Describe germanic invasion/settlement in Western Europe. C.600

Answer 7

• Visigoths invade Italy, South France and Spain
• Vandals and Suebi inade Spain and North Africa
• Huns invade southern France
  410 : Key Event: Visigoth King Alaric led sack of Rome in 410.
• Germanic tribes underwent massive changes (technology, social, economic) caused by Romans. These advancements alllowed them to challenge Rome

Question 8

Who were anglo-saxons

Answer 8

Angles (east) saxons (south) Jules(germnic, south)

• By late 7th c, England was Christian (Aethelbert 700CE). By 9th C, vikings controlled.
• Anglo-saxons cme from most powerful Germanic Tribes

Question 9

Conclusion?

Answer 9

Christianity important tool of Kingship and State formation ideology of Kingship emerges strongly under Carolingians, Early medieval state formation was shaped by the fall of Rome in the West.

Question 10

3 types of Kingship

Answer 10

1: Notional Kingship: Holy Roman Empire
2: Fuedal Kingship: France
3: Sovereign Kingship: England
which was more stable?

Question 11

important aspects of kingship/what they brought for nations/state with examples

Answer 11

a) Peace between nations: e.g. King Richard II of England marrying Isabella of France late 15th c
b) Laws and Justice: E.g. source of Couple claiming justice from the King from the 14th century in Madrid. Also e.g english monarchs travelling around the country with their portable courts

Question 12

Notional Kingship: specific example

Answer 12

a) Frederick II of HRE: Crowned 1212. Spoke 6 languages, a crusader king of Jerusalem
b) Charlemagne crowned by Pope Leo
c)

Question 13

Fuedal kingship key words:
Vassal
Domain
Homage (example)

Answer 13

Vassal: individual pays for protection from lord
Domain: Land held directly by King
Homage: people accept lords superior standing e.g. painting of king of england paying homage to Phillip VI of france in early 1300s

Question 14

Land->Wealth->power->influence

Answer 14

Land -> Wealth -> power -> influence

Question 15

Sovereign Kingship?

Answer 15

• Control nations resources, coercion and means of pursuasion
• Medieval england therefore a small compact centralised kingdom.

Question 16

Deposition England vs France

Answer 16

France 0 deposed England 6 deposed in late medieval period.

Question 17

Primary source for crisis in Kingship

Answer 17

Chronicle of Adam of Usk: He was hostile in his Chronicle of Richard II, was a member of the team which looked to find legal grounds for the deposition of the king. He however gained from his part in Richard’s surrender and deposition so therefore could be biased.
In the Chronicle he speaks very badly of Richard and the reasons for him to be deposed.

Question 18

What does the Chronicle of Adam of Usk tell us about the fragility of late medieval kingship.

Answer 18

Richard’s deposition was due to the people not liking him. for example Thomas Walsingham the Chronicler accused him of being homosexual with Henry. The lack of stability in England in the period led for it to be difficult for Richard to consolidate rule and make peace. He was also 14 when he entered kingship