II. Benefice and Vassalage in the Age of Charlemagne
François-Louis Ganshof
A Number of important studies have been published in recent years on the subject benefice and vassalage during early Middle Ages, it may consequently be worth while to re-examine some problems raised by origin development these two institutions. I dealt elsewhere with, circumstances which tended towards their union eighth, century, under Carolingians, In this article hope indicate at least principal features history reign Charlemagne. The Influence Charles exercised public private institutions Frankish state was so definite far-reaching as fully justify limitation subject-matter my inquiry space a single reign. Unfortunately lack adequate sources, though less serious than for preceding period, renders task tracing somewhat difficult one. Although capitularies contain relatively large number provisions that deal specifically with institutions, we very little information how they worked practice. narrative exception or three texts, tell us nothing. We fall back evidence charters, even only rarely, when dealing dispute legal proceeding, throw light subject. This is what might any case expect, essential feature entry person into gift oral act, not embodiment writing.
Cambridge Historical Journal