Peasant-Based Societies in Chris Wickham’s Thought
Carlos Astarita
Abstract This engagement with Chris Wickham’s Framing the Early Middle Ages argues that Germanic kings settled as political authorities in fiscal lands, and granted districts to some of loyal members their entourage over which they exercised power. process relates fact preserved fiscus -taxes, but system had already deteriorated finally disintegrated sixth century. In long run, problem was expressed an organic crisis ruling class. consequence, popular revolts against taxation ensued. These are indicator collapsed ancient machinery domination not replaced by another short term, thus giving way a vacuum. The fugitive slaves or serfs reflected laws pointing same direction. Under these conditions free peasant-communities multiplied. events take us concept peasant-mode societies Wickham contributes our understanding period. Despite importance he attaches this concept, observes nuances; all regions, claims, did peasant-logic prevail. evidence allows us, on contrary, extend scope establish single theoretical basis for construction feudal European scale.
Historical Materialism