I. Inquisitio as a Tool of Royal Governance under the Carolingian and Ottonian Kings
David S. Bachrach
Abstract The inquest (Latin inquisitio) was an important administrative tool in the hands of government officials later Roman empire and Regnum Francorum. Imperial royal used inquests to safeguard fisc, also assure accurate tax assessments. Scholars long have recognized that served similar roles Carolingian during reigns Charlemagne Louis Pious. By contrast, most specialists history east Frankish kingdom its German successor under Ottonian dynasty argued lands Rhine lacked sophisticated institutions were characteristic first half ninth century. This study offers a corrective traditional view both eastern Carolingians Ottonians presided over administratively backward realms. It rather case rulers their successors inquisitiones fisc from misuse, neglect, theft. In addition, these maintain control assets ecclesiastical institution.
Zeitschrift der Savigny-Stiftung für Rechtsgeschichte. Germanistische Abteilung