Power and political violence in the reign of Charles the Bald

Author(s)

Isabela Alves Silva

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH/SBD)
• Defense date: 2022-06-27

Examining board members

Marcelo Candido da Silva; Laurent Jégou; Sylvie Marie Danielle Joye; Victor Borges Sobreira

• Advisor: Marcelo Candido da Silva

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze the role of political violence in the reign of Charles the Bald, the king of the Carolingian dynasty between 838-877 in the western portion of the Empire. The study focuses on the violence associated with the competition for power in the ninth century, involving the king in the west, the other Carolingian rulers, and members of the high aristocracy, in disputes for control of regions; for the imperial title; for succession to the throne; and for positions in the administration. The hypothesis of the work is that, in the face of Carolingian family conflicts, as well as the problem of aristocratic infidelity, Charles, together with supporters, sustained various practices of political violence against his opponents. It is argued here that this was intended to ensure control over the succession to the throne, the rule of rebel regions, the maintenance of the integrity of the kingdom, and even its expansion. This attitude of the king was, however, contrary to a Carolingian tradition of valuing mercy in the exercise of monarchical power and the concern of leaders such as Charlemagne and Louis the Pious to prevent the use of punishments among the members of the dynasty. This research aims to analyze the nature of Charles violent practices, in what context they were applied, and how they were interpreted by contemporaries. To this end, I study the lexicon and the treatment of political violence in three works produced in the ninth century west of the Empire: the Annals of Saint-Bertin, written by Bishop Prudentius of Troyes and Archbishop Hincmar of Rheims; the Handbook of Dhuoda, written by an aristocrat from southeastern Francia; and the Histories of Nithard, an advisor, historian, and warrior of Charles. The comparative study of these works allows us to analyze the phenomenon of violence from different points of view, among writers who had different relationships with the king. From the justifications or criticisms given to the regal violent actions, it is still possible to deduce the functions, rights, and duties that the writers associated with monarchical power in Charles\' period (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/10287-1 - Power and violence in the reign of Charles the Bald
• Grantee: Isabela Alves Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master