Distances, Rencontres, Communications – Réaliser l’Empire sous Charlemagne et Louis le Pieux by Martin Gravel
Mihaela L. Florescu
Reviewed by: Distances, Rencontres, Communications – Réaliser l’Empire sous Charlemagne et Louis le Pieux by Martin Gravel Mihaela L. Florescu Gravel, (Turnhout: Brepols 2012) 467 pp. In his book entitled (Distances, Meetings, Making the Empire under and Pious), explores administration of Carolingian empire Pieux. The emperors saw themselves as legislators, judges representatives Church, rulers a far ranging Christian empire, with territories apart Gaul, Italy, Germany Spain. It is hard to imagine in today’s hyper connected world, that there was time when lack proper transport communication were major impediments national cohesiveness, but such case medieval times. Medieval empires made or broken based on their ability effectively information goods. For Carolingians, governing vast entailed tackling problem posed unfortunate combination long distances slow expensive travel. systematically analyzes diplomatic acts, legislative documents, correspondence, incidence face meeting offer well-researched thesis how Carolingians kept running. story priest Conwoion’s epic struggle obtain land grant for monastery Redon serves an introduction apt illustrative tale realities methods empire. order license, Conwoion needed contact emperor. Reaching emperor, however, no easy task involved undertaking journey 500 kilometers, from banks Vilaine palace. first attempted emperor 832, knowing he travelling nearby lands. Limoges meet Louis, request [End Page 257] denied. He undertook second Tours, not be persuaded. persistent traveled third time, finally obtaining concession. Around 837–838, trouble brewed over concession, Frankish count disputed grant. travelled fourth behalf monastery, this Aix-la-Chapelle, where vindicated Redon’s rights. journeys long, arduous, covering thousands kilometers uncertain outcome. could have sent letter envoy at hand required navigating political waters court adroit steer course. During visits, priest’s proposal opposed Nantes bishop Vannes. On visit, supported bishops Alet Quimper won shows served prime sociological factor contributing existence culture. All social constructions depended travel efficient court. crucial way communication, followed written exchanges. network relationships: links baptism, blood, alliance, friendship, service many other loyalties. Relationships product interaction between ambiguously defined grouped around few cities. Regionalism ruled yet successful uniting these disparate regions one rule. Regional elites oriented towards center insertion power local level loyal supporters. loyalties those close him. cultivated support holding meetings them. directed always, periphery only cases serious crisis. Because costly, rich naturally had advantage it came gaining emperor’s attention. Sending correspondence likewise costly endeavor, favoring already established elites. Inevitably, interfered conflicts behalf...
Comitatus-a Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies