Sacred Foundations: The Religious and Medieval Roots of the European State

The medieval church was a powerful force in European state formation, competing with monarchs and providing critical templates for governing institutions, the rule of law, and parliaments. It fragmented territorial authority, propagated urban autonomy, and developed institutional precedents adopted by rulers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The medieval church played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of Europe. While previous accounts have primarily focused on early modern warfare or agreements between rulers and subjects, this comprehensive study demonstrates that the Catholic Church not only competed with medieval monarchs but also provided essential templates for governing institutions, the rule of law, and parliaments.

The Catholic Church emerged as the most influential, wealthy, and well-organized political force during the Middle Ages. Beginning in the eleventh century, the papacy initiated a struggle for church autonomy, challenging European rulers and eventually asserting authority over individuals, territories, and monarchs. Anna Grzymała-Busse showcases how the church influenced various aspects of the European state. Conflicts with the papacy led to the fragmentation of territorial authority in Europe for centuries, fostering urban autonomy and notions of sovereignty. Thanks to its organizational advantages and human capital, the church also established institutional precedents that were adopted by rulers across Europe, encompassing chanceries, taxation, courts, and councils.

Church innovations played a crucial role in enabling the rule of law and parliamentary representation. By highlighting a wealth of historical evidence regarding papal conflict, excommunications, and ecclesiastical institutions, Sacred Foundations sheds light on how the challenge and example of powerful religious authorities gave rise to secular state institutions and enhanced state capacity.

Weight: 414g
Dimension: 154 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691245089