Nobility and Expansion Dynamic
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·         More threat in C8/9. Halsall’s cemetery evidence indicates increasing aristocratic power since C6/7 (backed up by saints’ lives sources) – e.g. Pippinids / Arnulfings.

·         RE controlled by taxation / army / prestige of admin jobs in state structure. C6 this system unattractive to Franks à never developed. No returns – economic conditions not right for it. No standing army for protection.

·         How then could the aristocracy be controlled? Was the centre of any relevance? Rewards could be used, but it would be totally short-sighted for kings to just squander the fisc. Problem esp acute at the periphery – Aquitaine / Bavaria / Franconia. Poss perpetual redistribution, but short-term solution only.

·         Hence importance of expansion – absence of taxation à ‘necessary’ (Reuter). Used loot from Avars / Pavia (Po valley very rich). Saxons were poor, but looting still valuable; a theatre of politics to occupy the magnates. Nobles who didn’t go to war risked being usurped by empowered kinsmen – didn’t dare not to turn up – land control was a roulette wheel – a paranoid existence. King’s power = as arbiter of inheritance.

Consider also military dynamic generated by prolonged civil war. As with Arabia C6, this could subsequently be directed against other peoples.

Consider also religious dynamic. Charlemagne’s campaigns fought in the name of God, but also revival of traditional Germanic themes – satiated appetites for expansion of a warrior people.

Other Notes in this Category

1. Basis of Power
2. Carolignian Geneaology
3. Carolignians and Italy
4. Chronological Analysis
5. Church
6. Communications
7. Did growth lead to a more systematic style of government?
8. Domestic government and power bases
9. Ideology of Power
10. Importance of the West 814 - 898
11. Kingship and Royal Government - Janet Nelson
12. Logistics of Power
13. Nobility and Expansion Dynamic
14. Nobility and Expansion Dynamic - Effect on surrounding peoples
15. Plunder and Tribute in the Carolignian Empire
16. Society and Politics
17. Sociology of Power
18. The Carolignian Experiment - EF James
19. Vikings

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