Making and Unmaking the Carolingians: 751-888

Stuart Airlie's book, "Making and Unmaking the Carolingians, 751-888," explores how power manifests itself in individuals, why people obey authority, and how a family conveys their superiority and maintains their command in a pre-modern world. It examines the Carolingian dynasty, ruling the Frankish realm from 751 to 888, and how they asserted their status and created a discourse of Carolingian legitimacy to sustain their supremacy.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 456 pages
\n Publication date: 28 January 2021
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
\n

The concept of authority plays a significant role in shaping individuals and their behavior. It encompasses the influence and power that individuals or groups exert over others, whether through formal positions of authority, social norms, or cultural expectations. Understanding how authority manifests itself in individuals is crucial in comprehending the dynamics of social hierarchies, obedience to authority, and the transmission of dominance within families and societies.

In pre-modern worlds, where communication and transportation were limited, standing armies were not prevalent, and formalized political jurisdictions were not yet established, the exercise of authority took on unique characteristics. Families, as the primary sources of power, had to employ various strategies to assert their superiority and maintain their command.

One of the most famous dynasties in medieval Europe, the Carolingians, provides a valuable case study for examining the manifestation of authority and its impact on society. Ruling the Frankish realm from 751 to 888, the Carolingian family had to be ruthless in asserting their status and adept at creating a discourse of Carolingian legitimacy in order to sustain their supremacy.

In his book, "Making and Unmaking the Carolingians, 751-888," Stuart Airlie explores the complex dynamics of authority, politics, and family within the Carolingian dynasty. Through a nuanced analysis of these factors, Airlie sheds important new light on both the rise and fall of the Carolingian empire and the nature of power in medieval Europe more generally.

One of the key aspects of authority in the Carolingian dynasty was the concept of kingship. The Carolingian kings were not mere rulers but rather symbols of the unity and legitimacy of the Frankish realm. They were believed to possess divine authority, which was derived from their relationship with God. This authority was reinforced by the religious institutions and rituals associated with the royal court, which helped to establish the king's legitimacy and power.

However, the exercise of authority was not without its challenges. The Carolingian kings faced opposition from various groups within their realm, including nobles, bishops, and even their own relatives. To maintain their dominance, the kings had to employ a range of strategies, including coercion, negotiation, and patronage. They also sought to legitimize their authority through alliances with other powerful families and by promoting a sense of Carolingian identity among their subjects.

Another important aspect of authority in the Carolingian dynasty was the role of the family. The Carolingian family was a powerful and influential dynasty that ruled over a vast territory, including parts of modern-day France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. The family was characterized by its unity and cohesion, which was facilitated by a shared sense of Carolingian identity and a common goal of consolidating power within the Frankish realm.

The family's power was further reinforced by its ability to create a discourse of Carolingian legitimacy. This discourse was based on the idea that the Carolingian dynasty was descended from the ancient Roman Empire and was therefore entitled to rule over the Frankish people. The family also promoted a sense of unity and harmony among its members, which helped to establish their authority.

However, the exercise of authority within the Carolingian family was not without its challenges. The family was characterized by its hierarchical structure, which led to conflicts and power struggles among its members. These conflicts were often resolved through negotiation and compromise, but they also had the potential to undermine the family's authority and stability.

In conclusion, the concept of authority plays a significant role in shaping individuals and their behavior. In pre-modern worlds, where communication and transportation were limited, standing armies were not prevalent, and formalized political jurisdictions were not yet established, the exercise of authority took on unique characteristics. Families, as the primary sources of power, had to employ various strategies to assert their superiority and maintain their command.

The Carolingian dynasty provides a valuable case study for examining the manifestation of authority and its impact on society. Through a nuanced analysis of authority, politics, and family, Stuart Airlie sheds important new light on both the rise and fall of the Carolingian empire and the nature of power in medieval Europe more generally. The book highlights the complex dynamics of power, the challenges faced by rulers, and the strategies employed by individuals and families to assert their dominance and maintain their command.

\n Weight: 844g\n
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 31 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781788317443\n \n