The Aristocratic Couple in the Early Middle Ages
Régine Le Jan
The conjugal couple is not an invariable and inviolable social fact but a changeable construction. In the early Middle Ages, cognatic kinship system weakening of state placed marriage at center exchange that ensured balance within society regulated competition between aristocratic groups. However, we should distinguish couple. At beginning period, polygenic trends weakened visibility as long power did allow one spouses to gain upper hand over other. Nevertheless, later settlement Christianization worked in favor legal by promoting conjugality monogamy. From 7th century onward, couples jointly developed patrimonial political strategies, 9th century, Carolingian bishops were able promote ideology based on model. it only end profound change led association spouse directly with management present actor.
Medievales