Hostages in the Early Middle Ages: Communication, Conversion, and Structures of Alliance
Adam J. Kosto
This chapter surveys hostageship in the early Middle Ages. It shows how, context of break-up Carolingian hegemony, symbolic and communicative aspects were as if not more important than its guaranteeing function, how political significance hostages extended well beyond interests grantor receiver. A close study Indiculus obsidum, a list Saxon from ninth century, reveals role politics religious conversion. The also examines links between related institutions oblation, fosterage, adoption, commendation, all which contributed to structures family alliance that formed basis society.
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