The Written Word in Carolingian-Style Fiscal Administration under King Henry I, 919-936
David S. Bachrach
Traditionally, scholars have depicted the early Ottonian kingdom, ruled by Henry I (919–936) as being deficient in royal administrative structures, particularly those that depended on use of documents. Instead, is supposed to his kingdom through a wide range rituals associated with sacral kingship. However, it long has been recognized both ecclesiastical and estates eastern portions Carolingian empire, which developed into German were organized manner consistent dictates famous capitulary de villis. Recent scholarship made clear this required production large numbers documents, crucial for administration individual these king. This essay draws out numerous ways officials used ‘written word’ administer king's estates, shows an important element demonstrates enormous continuities adminstrative structures place Empire.
German History