Hostages in the Carolingian world (714-840)
Adam J. Kosto
The medieval hostage (obses) was a form of personal surety, person deprived liberty by second in order to guarantee an undertaking third person. Although they were used private transactions, normally appear the early sources context relations between political entities. Close seventy distinct episodes are recorded greater Francia and Italian Peninsula period 714–840. Drawing on this evidence, as well few surviving normative that refer hostages, present article develops definition hostages Carolingian period, examines situations which used, argues must be seen more than simple means for securing agreements. In particular, grants might involve individuals beyond trio creditor–debtor–hostage, could transcend their immediate guaranteeing function serve symbolic ends. proper study emerges not legal but social relations.
Early Medieval Europe