The eclipse of Empire? : perceptions of the Western Empire and its rulers in thirteenth- and early fourteenth-century France
Christopher Neville Jones
It has become an axiom of historical research that the decline western Empire in second half thirteenth century led to a concomitant subscription idea ruler might exercise temporal authority beyond bounds his kingdom. An increase exercised by rulers kingdoms and rediscovery Aristotelian learning new conception autonomous states. This thesis tests validity this assessment determining place occupied French thought. establishes factors which formulated perceptions contemporary medieval between Frederick II’s accession outbreak Hundred Years War. examines thought figure most widely associated with France, Carolingian emperor Charlemagne. determines conceptions nature as institution, role it its were considered occupy world, their relationship Rather than base examination upon small number texts traditionally historians development political ideology, broader context is established using widest possible source base. The consequence portrait differs profoundly from accepted model. On one level differ very little Yet, far abandoning concept universal authority, inhabitants France also fulfil supra-regnal necessary properly ordered Christian society increasingly conceived terms leadership crusade.