Wergild, Compensation and Penance: The Monetary Logic of Early Medieval Conflict Resolution by Lukas Bothe, Stefan Esders and Han Nijdam
Julian Calcagno
Reviewed by: Wergild, Compensation and Penance: The Monetary Logic of Early Medieval Conflict Resolution by Lukas Bothe, Stefan Esders Han Nijdam Julian Calcagno Lukas, Esders, Nijdam, eds, (Medieval Law Its Practice, 31), Leiden/Boston, Brill, 2021; hardback; pp. 322; R.R.P. €143.00; ISBN 9789004466128. This volume is an edited collection observations concerning a revitalization the study wergild conflict settlement in medieval Europe. Interest this area has peaked recent decades book reflects that interest. contains thirteen single-author chapters set out to examine role compensation different legal systems. Though some attention paid classical Roman period, order demonstrate possible efforts continuity Germanic systems, overall emphasis skewed towards Anglo-Saxon England Frankish Carolingian France, with on Frisian, Scandinavian, other ‘Germanic-like’ sources. There great deal dialogue between chapters, each author adding their own insights respect other’s work. Indeed, gives more insightful approach, as builds thesis aims uncover how person’s worth was established era why monetary values were applied resolve certain conflicts. first three are largely devoted analysing incentive behind method compensation. In doing so, authors unpack structural approaches outlined law codes such Sachsenspiegel, leges barbarorum, Lex Frisionum. These studies broad investigate many codes, yet they deliver well-rounded preliminary [End Page 226] understanding early mentalities surrounding resolution. focus these few appears be tracking down transition from ancient beginnings statehood. It argued phenomenon ‘superior’ models resolution, payment would disincentivize kinship groups getting involved individual feuds (p. 10). However, quite rightly points out, problem quantifying human life terms value ‘value’ always abstract 12). To understand abstraction, contributors refer idea honour, albeit represented numerical value. theme honour runs predominantly through most well examined Chapters 6 7. Overall, enhanced appreciation played substantial psychologization utilized conflict. half will appeal those unfamiliar or order. For interested terminological analysis wergild, then 4 5 beguile reader. Naturally, useful guides for examining links similarity which book. make up second independent themes. delivered less specific particular code. Rob Meens’s chapter interestingly draws us away what one may consider ‘secular’ law, he focuses penance penitential practice. Recent scholarship considered likelihood have been part punishment process. Meens correctly our texts include methods practice often circulated throughout Europe made exact lawbreakers. Making peace God absolving oneself sin was, therefore, arguably just important process restoring here reminds there uncertainty we secular ecclesiastical 233). Both interrelated period. distinction two to...
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