Assises of Ariano Flashcards
What does the “Order of Laws” decree regarding the observance of laws and customs?
The new laws must “be fully observed,” and existing laws and customs “shall only be abrogated…if they are found to be contrary to” the new decrees. This highlights the balance between maintaining established traditions and incorporating royal reforms.
What factors are considered when determining the punishment for adulteresses according to the law?
The law emphasizes a thorough investigation of the adulteress’s status, age, state of mind, financial means, and motivations. Punishment is based on fairness and divine justice, with more lenient or severe sentences determined accordingly. If a woman has no legitimate children and her property is confiscated, she faces slitting of the nose, but she cannot be harmed further by her husband or relations unless they choose flogging (Matthew vii. 1).
“Justice will tally perfectly with divine justice; nor will we be departing from that divine verdict, ‘with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you once again.’”
What is Roger’s attitude toward the Divine grace his kingdom has received?
Roger acknowledges that the kingdom’s strength and peace come from “Divine grace,” stating, “if we have received anything from the generosity which has resulted from Divine grace, then we should repay these Divine benefits through which we have our strength with humble service.”
Who issued the Assizes of Ariano, and when?
King Roger II of Sicily issued the Assizes in 1140 at Ariano.
How does the law protect the property of churches?
The law “protects and augments the property and possessions” of holy churches, stating that those who violate this decree face “severe consequences,” emphasizing the sacredness and permanence of the church’s authority.
How did the Assizes influence later legal codes in Europe?
They served as a model for centralized legal systems in medieval Europe, inspiring similar reforms in other kingdoms.
What penalties did the Assizes impose for treason?
Treason was punished severely, often by confiscation of lands, execution, or exile, reinforcing loyalty to the monarchy.
How did the Assizes address relations with the papacy?
They asserted the king’s independence in ecclesiastical matters while maintaining a cooperative relationship with the church
What role did the Assizes play in integrating Southern Italy and Sicily?
By applying the same laws across both regions, the Assizes fostered unity and loyalty to the crown.
How were the Assizes influenced by Norman governance traditions?
They combined Norman legal principles with Byzantine and Islamic administrative practices inherited from Sicilian culture.
How did the Assizes address succession disputes?
They clarified inheritance laws to reduce conflicts among the nobility and secure the kingdom’s stability.
What was the Assizes’ stance on the rights of serfs and peasants?
The Assizes aimed to protect peasants from baronial abuses, ensuring their obligations were clearly defined and limited.
How did the Assizes strengthen the king’s economic control?
By regulating trade and coinage, the Assizes reduced local economic autonomy and increased royal revenue.
What role did the Assizes of Ariano play in limiting local autonomy?
They abolished regional laws and customs that conflicted with royal decrees, ensuring uniformity across the kingdom.
How does Roger justify the changes he is making to the laws?
Roger justifies his changes by citing the need for humility and correction, stating that “the office of kingship claims for itself a certain privilege of priesthood,” and that “those who do wrong should be spared in keeping with the moderation that is appropriate to our times.”
How does Roger view the relationship between kingship, justice, and mercy?
Roger views kingship as a divine calling that involves both justice and mercy, quoting Proverbs 8:15, “By me kings reign, and legislators decree justice,” and emphasizing that “nothing is more pleasing to God than if we straightforwardly offer Him that which we have learnt Him to be, namely mercy and justice.”
What does Roger identify as the state of justice in his kingdom?
Roger admits that the kingdom’s justice has become flawed, saying, “when we see that this has become miserably crooked,” and expresses a desire to “renew the paths of both justice and piety.”
What was the purpose of the Assizes of Ariano?
The Assizes centralized royal authority, unified the legal system across Norman territories, and curtailed baronial power.
What Biblical principles does Roger use to support his approach to justice and mercy?
Roger references Biblical teachings to justify his approach, quoting Luke 6:36, “Be ye also merciful as your Father also is merciful,” and Psalm 25:10, “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth,” to emphasize that mercy should guide all actions of governance.
Why does Roger believe it is important to change the laws of the kingdom?
Roger feels the need to revise the laws due to past mistakes, stating, “we have erred in many things and because we are more inclined to err,” and thus seeks to handle laws “more mercifully and interpret them in a more kindly way.”
What does the law advise regarding the treatment of subjects and tax collection?
Princes and officials “should treat all subjects decently,” particularly in “tax collection,” and are urged to demand “moderation” to avoid harsh treatment. The law emphasizes “mercy and fairness,” indicating that subjects should be treated with dignity under royal rule.
