Introduction: German Political Identity in the Middle Ages
Benjamin Arnold
In the art of historiography as practised in Germany Middle Ages well diplomatic language used by royal chancery there, it proved nigh impossible for a precise definition German polity to be established. This is partly explained fact that diverse provinces which medieval was made up were at first incorporated into much larger empire Franks, process virtually completed during reign Charlemagne (768–814), except Slavic regions assimilated later on. took name ‘Roman’ soon after 800. When finally divided three kingdoms Charlmagne’s grandsons 842 and 843, part quite naturally designated ‘kingdom eastern Franks’ label endured late twelfth century.1 tenth century this East Frankish kingdom, united since 961 with Lombard kingdom consisting northern Italy Tuscany combined Slav conquests Saxons 920s, consigned new West Roman Empire symbolised Saxon ruler Otto Great’s imperial coronation Rome February 962. The Burgundy, mostly French- or Provençal-speaking, added inheritance military force between 1032 1034.