Blood Royal: Dynastic Politics in Medieval Europe

The medieval European monarchy was a family-based system where power was in the hands of a dynasty. This system explored the role played by family dynamics and family consciousness in the politics of the royal and imperial dynasties of Europe, including how dynasties used names, numbering of rulers, and visual display of heraldry to express their identity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 774 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Throughout medieval Europe, the monarchy held a dominant position in the political landscape for centuries. This system entailed the concentration of power within a family, often referred to as a dynasty. It meant that politics revolved around familial relationships, with the ruling family playing a central role in shaping political affairs. The birth, marriage, and death of members of the ruling family not only influenced political decisions but also defined the trajectory of political life.

The dynastic system faced unique challenges when it came to female rule or pretenders to the throne. How did these families navigate the complexities of succession and maintain their authority? Did they employ different strategies to legitimize their rule, such as naming conventions or the visual display of heraldry? Moreover, why did some royal families endure while others faced decline or collapse?

To explore these questions, this engaging and original history of dynastic power in Latin Christendom and Byzantium delves into the intricate dynamics of family relationships and family consciousness within the royal and imperial dynasties of Europe. Drawing on a rich and diverse range of sources, Robert Bartlett offers a compelling account of the complex web of internal rivalries and loyalties that characterized these ruling families. He sheds light on the various roles played by women, such as female sovereigns, mistresses, and wicked uncles, in shaping the course of dynastic history.

Through his meticulous analysis, Bartlett provides a fresh perspective on an essential aspect of medieval society. He unravels the intricate tapestry of familial relationships, power struggles, and political maneuvering that defined the political landscape of the Middle Ages. This history offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of royal families, their strategies for survival and success, and the enduring impact they had on the development of European society.

Weight: 1000g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108796163