Appetite for Power: The Anglo-SaxonRegina Gratia Dei
Kathrin Prietzel
This article discusses the political functions of Anglo-Saxon queens by analysing several royal consorts within their socio-historical and context. While early were seen as instrumental during Conversion, it was only with increasing focus on a king's legitimacy, that importance queen acknowledged. Cynethryth Mercia, wife Offa, first who can be said to have directly participated in her husband's divine ministry signing his charters gratia-Dei formula. The examples further show while kings inherited power from predecessors, had carve out role anew.
English Studies