Jews, Regalian Rights, And The Constitution In Medieval France
William Chester Jordan
It is fashionable to imagine a great dichotomy between the feudal monarchies in West and brittle, particularistic entity of Holy Roman Empire German Nation. To Voltaire's mean-spirited gibe that latter was neither holy, Roman, nor an might be added it also not really German, since millions Netherlanders, Italians, Slavs, as well Provencals Savoyards, lived within its territorial limits. France England, stereotype goes, had achieved precocious unity, at least thirteenth century. Nothing could clearer, one conclude, than contrast kingdoms so-called Empire. The cliche even affects our understanding Jewish life Middle Ages. Fritz Backhaus put commonplace this way: “The division ( Zersplitterung ) Germany prevented comprehensive expulsion [of Jews] carried out France, Spain.” This neat inadequate. At best makes sense comparison England Germany. Only few exceptions aside, were claims paramount lord, king, control exploitation Jews more or less uncontested by other secular authorities ecclesiastics role lords.
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