Kingship and justice in the Ottonian Empire / Laura E. Wangerin.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Wangerin, Laura E., 1966- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Justice, Administration of.

History.

Monarchy.

Kings and rulers.

Germany--History--Saxon House, 919-1024.

Germany.

Holy Roman Empire--History--Saxon House, 919-1024.

Holy Roman Empire.

Germany--Kings and rulers--History.

Germany--Politics and government--843-1273.

Politics and government.

Monarchy--Germany--History--To 1500.

Justice, Administration of--Germany--History--To 1500.

Europe--Holy Roman Empire.

Genre:

History.

Physical Description:

xiii, 229 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Ann Arbor : University of Michigan Press, 2019.

Summary:

"Laura E. Wangerin challenges traditional views of the Ottonian Empire's rulership. Drawing from a broad array of sources including royal and imperial diplomas, manuscript illuminations, and histories, Ottonian kingship and the administration of justice are investigated using traditional historical and comparative methodologies as well as through the application of innovative approaches such as modern systems theories. This study suggests that distinctive elements of the Ottonians' governing apparatus, such as its decentralized structure, emphasis on the royal iter, and delegation of authority, were essential features of a highly developed political system. Kingship and Justice in the Ottonian Empire provides a welcome addition to English-language scholarship on the Ottonians, as well as to scholarship dealing with rulership and medieval legal studies. Scholars have recognized the importance of ritual and symbolic behaviors in the Ottonian political sphere, while puzzling over the apparent lack of administrative organization, a contradiction between what we know about the Ottonians as successful rulers and their traditional characterization as rulers of a disorganized polity. Trying to account for the apparent disparity between their political and military achievements, cultural and artistic efflorescence, and relative dynastic stability, which seemingly accompanied a disinterest in writing law or creating a centralized hierarchical administration, is a tension that persists in the scholarship"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Governing structures in Ottonian Germany

Ecclesiastical jurisdictions and royal authority

Feud and legislative activity

The idea of kingship : ruler images, relics, and rituals

The dispensation of justice.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Format:

Online version: Wangerin, Laura E., 1966- author. Kingship and justice in the Ottonian Empire

ISBN:

9780472131396

0472131397

OCLC:

1055831140