The Archaeology and Material Culture of Queenship in Medieval Hungary, 1000-1395

This book explores an alternate history of the power and agency of 30 Hungarian queens over 400 years by examining the material culture associated with their lives. It demonstrates how these women expressed and displayed their power, using objects, images, and spaces to consolidate their position when weakened by external circumstances. The public and private image of the queen plays a significant role in understanding her role at the Hungarian court.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 317 pages
Publication date: 23 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into an alternative history of the power and agency of 30 Hungarian queens over a span of 400 years, through a rigorous examination of the material culture associated with their lives. By meticulously analyzing the objects, images, and spaces, it sheds light on how these women expressed and showcased their power. Queens utilized material culture and spatial arrangements not only to assert their authority to a broad, international audience but also to reinforce their position when faced with external challenges. The public and private image of the queen played a crucial role in understanding her role within the highly centralized Hungarian court, as well as how her position and persona strengthened and complemented that of the king.

The book explores the various ways in which these queens used material culture to construct and convey their identities, both within their royal courts and to a broader audience. It examines the objects they collected, the buildings they constructed, and the rituals they performed, highlighting how they used these elements to assert their authority and promote their interests.

Furthermore, the book explores the role of material culture in shaping the political and social dynamics of the Hungarian court. It examines how the queens used their material possessions to consolidate their power, negotiate alliances, and assert their influence over their subjects. It also explores how the queens' material culture influenced the perception of their role and status within the royal hierarchy.

In addition to its examination of the material culture, the book also delves into the historical context in which the Hungarian queens lived. It explores the political, social, and economic developments that shaped their lives and the challenges they faced. It also examines how the queens responded to these challenges and how their material culture contributed to their resilience and survival.

Overall, this book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the power and agency of 30 Hungarian queens over 400 years. It sheds light on the ways in which material culture played a crucial role in their lives and the ways in which they used it to shape their world. It is a valuable contribution to the field of historical studies and will be of interest to scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030665135
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021