The First “Medieval” Advocates
This chapter analyzes the earliest medieval evidence for position of advocate. It argues that, rather than relying on top-down sources such as Frankish legal texts (capitularies) and canons Church councils, we need to focus what named advocates are described doing in eighth- early ninth-century sources. Taking this approach, it demonstrates that first emerged empire mid-eighth century then proliferated rapidly under Charlemagne. Contrary standard argument these Carolingian were official, representatives ecclesiastics at court, contends – from beginning closely tied local territorial interests monasteries churches frequently pushed limits their formal responsibilities.
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