Communications
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Nelson on logistics of power:

·       Size mattered - only small part of an empire the size of Charlemagne’s could be governed directly. A conglomerate of previously separate regna, each with own hereditary nobility. Aristos of E Francia and Lombardy had strong collective identity.

·       Placing son in sub-kingdom = acknowledging regional strength. More tensions between fathers and sons than between regna + centre. capacity to legitmise property rights and confirm ecc privileges. Car royal authority à realm-wide force for legal / admin measures. Keeping control of royal agents = serious problem; counts as valuable middle-men, heritability not challenged. Use of missi to report on counts / hold local inquisitions - also had considerable local authority. Qui custodes custodes? The king. Also use of vassi to aid king in decision-making / to be sent on diplomatic missions. Sanctions for failure to perform duties = sacking / exile - usually used only for acts of treason.

·       Visitors from regions to palace occupied Charlemagne. Some private initiatives, also public grievances. King also called assemblies, esp large summer proceedings; local issues represented. Kings took seriously obligation to promote peace.+ engage people in this effort.

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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