Central power
Rachel Stone
As in most western societies until recently, the Carolingian period there was a close link between ruler, ‘state’ apparatus and nobility. A variety of secular office-holders are visible sources, sometimes with overlapping roles. For example, Louis Pious’ Legationis capitulum from around 826 mentions missi, comites, advocati, vicedomini, vicarii, centenarii scabini. The highest offices were effectively reserved for noblemen, unlike some other medieval societies.
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