Early Germanic queenship
Fiona Margaret Macfarlane
During the period from rise of Merovingian dynasty in Frankia to death Charles Fat and effective end Carolingian Empire, each principal Germanic peoples, Franks, Anglo-Saxons, Lombards, Ostrogoths perhaps also Visigoths, saw, on at least one occasion, exercise political power by a queen. It is hoped show that not only did all these women have common, greater or lesser degree, means they used achieve ends pursued while possession it, but their eminence was development possibilities which were available even v?omen whose place history quite obscure. The marks queenly status terms title, ceremony regalia fixed throughout period, though certain grandeur does seem be held as title 'regina'. Female coronation such, however, development, first Anglo-Saxon queen known been crowned princess, participant diplomatic marriage. Marriages for other reasons, whether overt concealed, are another feature common personal element choice bride cannot always ruled out Once married, queens played very similar role management court economic side royal household, apparently acting as, some measure, keeper husband's treasury. Many, if definitely queens, interested themselves cultural religious life court, few going so far sanctity. possible assume furthermore, great majority enjoyed, time least, measure influence over conduct husbands. In cases those who achieved real power, generally kind regent rather than own right, much seems come same roots, more complete utilisation any wife, something completely new. Ruling dispensed/ patronage, gathered dispensed riches, occasion led military expeditions. There was, nothing feminine about policies pursued, interest in, example, preservation descendants, can paralleled most, all, male rulers period. If there likenesses between reasons marriage, duties chances various kingdoms, similarities unfortunate could befall women. an era when frequently appears comparatively cheap, divorce simple abandonment husbands problems. Despite overall different within Franks themselves, kingdom m.ost intensively studied, appear marked differences Carolingians succeeded them, particularly concerning married controlled. On closer examination, largely circumstantial, based, among things, change international situation fortuitous series adult successions. Over whole area, pattern queenship established, with particular regard expected opportunities presented her.