The Divorce of Lothar II: Christian Marriage and Political Power in the Carolingian World, by Karl Heidecker
Rachel Stone
In 855, Lothar II, ruler of one the five kingdoms into which Carolingian empire was divided, married Theutberga. Two years later, he unsuccessfully tried to repudiate her in order marry his concubine Waldrada. His attempts achieve this remarriage continued for a further twelve years, until death 869, and created wide-ranging argument scandal: Archbishop Hincmar Rheims alleged that case being discussed by ‘women their weaving sheds’. Karl Heidecker provides detailed discussion these events, argues were crucial development western Christian ideas monogamous, indissoluble marriage (p. 1). He aims show case's significance ‘ideas about legal status … competence judge such matters, political power structures’ 7). The material is presented as ‘a drama six acts’ vii), with substantial narrative section introducing each main chapters analysing case. additional discuss church's regulation sources period.
The English Historical Review