West Francia: the northern principalities
David Bates
The area over which the 'west Frankish' kings exercised meaningful authority contracted during tenth century and new units of power emerged. These have customarily been termed 'territorial principalities' since publication Jan Dhondt's important book. Modern French historiography nevertheless remains undecided on extent continuity from Carolingian period. notion northern principalities as 'un prolongement carolingien' is deeply embedded in modern discussions. principality Flanders certainly evolved directly out arrangements made reign Charles Bald, but its final shape was result military achievements rulers. beginnings Blois Chartres Tours are similar. Historia Normannorum Dudo Saint-Quentin, commissioned late for Norman counts Duke Richard I II, first instance 'history' written to present a version principality's history.
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