Submission and Homage: Feudo-Vassalic Bonds and the Settlement of Disputes in Ottonian Germany
Levi Roach
This article seeks to shed light on the role of feudo-vassalic relations in Ottonian Germany, approaching subject from angle that homage played dispute settlement. Taking as its starting point two descriptions acts submission which involved ritual homage, it argues neither can sustain a traditional interpretation; would seem was used such contexts not because parties were bound by putative ‘feudal contract’, but rather flexible rite, no means limited between feudal lords and their enfeoffed vassals. leads broader reconsideration bonds tenth- early eleventh-century Reich, though evidence hand does conform well classic teaching regarding system’, nevertheless shows important developments towards something approximating this, second half twelfth century comes more fully into view.
History