HIST 325 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Pope Boniface Viii, Corpus Juris Civilis, Anointing
15 Jun 2017
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In feudal system kings not sovereign in sense that possessed all powers, or ultimately power to make law, system of obligations and privileges. Expected to observe others privileges and remain limited in their own. Not to interfere in courts of barons unless exceeding their power, Barons could try almost any case (and no appeal system, which kings wanted to set up but. Had to respect custom, limited time of soldiers fighting and limited number, limits! Tendency to lose control of vast territories by giving out to vassals who then made positions and rights hereditary and built castles etc. 12th c things changing in kings favour demographic and economic growth. More people, more production, more organization, more commerce, more money. Kings found ways to tap this money, in particular taxing. Was step towards independence, started hiring mercenary soldiers and bureaucrats. Couldn"t always control barons, bureaucrats ie. paid administrators step in the right direction or kings.
