Land and Landscape: The Transition from Agilolfing to Carolingian Bavaria, 700-900
Leanne Good
Author(s): Good, Leanne Marie | Advisor(s): Geary, Patrick Abstract: This dissertation examines the transformation of political, social, cultural and physical landscape eighth-century Bavaria as region was absorbed into expanding Frankish kingdom, following deposition its quasi-regal duke, Tassilo, in 788. It argues that changes made during this period to organization agricultural land ecclesiastical jurisdictions — both use resources, their mental demarcations changed perceptions identity supported rulership. The focuses on rhetoric creation representation power relations a contested area, elucidate wider process by which Carolingian dynasty united most Western Europe under control course few decades. unique geographical political position suggests fertile testing ground for study space context. ducatus Baiuvariorum involved alteration existing views relative legitimacy Agilolfing rule. sense, through manipulation various representational forms make up “ ” authority. Both king Bavarian duke employed conceptual linguistic construction establishing leadership. shows how mapping constructing network meaningful places given legitimating discourse. By articulating disparate factors should be perceived unity, presenting over land, ruler acceptable defined roles his followers. contributes an understanding particular construct, Bavaria, shaped transformed ducal leadership, illuminates Carolingians areas formerly outside brought them together hegemonic ideal. demonstrates dynamic intersecting sometimes competing systems representation, Charlemagne challenged bring together, employing concept empire.