Die Sprache des Rechts: Historische Semantik und karolingische Kapitularien

The Carolingian rulers' decrees (capitularies) used a flexible language between law, morality, religion, and administration, creating a successful tool for pragmatic government action. The anthology examines the use of words, semantic fields, and relationships to other text types in the 9th century, shedding new light on the conditions for Carolingian rule.

Format: Hardback
Length: 377 pages
Publication date: 06 August 2022
Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht GmbH & Co KG

The language used in the decrees of the Carolingian rulers, known as capitularies, straddles a delicate zone of indifference between law, morality, religion, and administration. By navigating this complex terrain, the Carolingians crafted a versatile tool for communication with their officials, a feature that made it particularly well-suited for pragmatic government action. This anthology takes a unique approach by examining the use of words, semantic fields, and the interconnections with other text types from the 9th century. Through this lens, it sheds new light on the circumstances that contributed to the success of Carolingian rule, offering a fresh perspective on this pivotal period in European history.

In the decrees of the Carolingian rulers, known as capitularies, the language occupies a unique position, straddling the boundaries between law, morality, religion, and administration. This nuanced approach allowed the Carolingians to create a flexible instrument for communication with their officials, a tool that was particularly well-suited for pragmatic government action. One of the key aspects of this linguistic strategy was its lack of strict rules and regulations. Unlike earlier legal systems, the Carolingian capitularies were characterized by a more flexible and adaptable approach, which facilitated swift and effective decision-making. This flexibility was particularly valuable in the context of governance, as it allowed the Carolingians to respond quickly to changing circumstances and adapt their policies accordingly.

The Carolingian rulers' use of language in their decrees also reflected their understanding of the interconnectedness of these various domains. They recognized that law, morality, religion, and administration were not separate entities but rather interdependent aspects of a harmonious society. By incorporating elements of each into their decrees, the Carolingians aimed to create a comprehensive framework for governing their empire. This approach not only ensured that justice was served but also promoted a sense of unity and stability among their subjects.

Furthermore, the Carolingian rulers' use of language in their decrees was influenced by their religious beliefs. They saw the church as a vital component of their empire and sought to align their legal and moral principles with the teachings of the Catholic Church. This religious influence can be seen in the inclusion of religious terms and concepts in the capitularies, as well as the emphasis on moral and ethical behavior. The Carolingians believed that a strong religious foundation was essential for the success of their rule and worked to promote religious harmony and understanding throughout their empire.

In conclusion, the language used in the decrees of the Carolingian rulers, known as capitularies, represents a fascinating intersection of law, morality, religion, and administration. By navigating this complex terrain, the Carolingians created a versatile tool for communication with their officials, a feature that made it particularly well-suited for pragmatic government action. The lack of strict rules and regulations, the recognition of the interconnectedness of these various domains, and the influence of religious beliefs all contributed to the success of Carolingian rule. This anthology provides a valuable insight into the conditions for the success of Carolingian rule, shedding new light on this pivotal period in European history.

Dimension: 235 x 160 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783525311417