Making Agreements in Medieval Catalonia: Power, Order, and the Written Word, 1000–1200 (Cambridge Studies in Medieval Life and Thought: Fourth Series, Series Number 51)

This study examines the role of written agreements in eleventh- and twelfth-century Catalonia, and how they determined the social and political order. By tracing the fate of these agreements - or convenientiae - from their first appearance to the late twelfth century, it is possible to demonstrate the remarkable stability of the fluid structures which they engendered in what is generally thought of as 'feudal society'. The process of documentary change reveals the true nature and pace of the 'transformation of the year 1000'. Analysis of the convenientia as an instrument of power and its interaction with oral practices contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of the written word in medieval societies. Finally, a broad historiographical context establishes the significance of this study of Catalonia for a more general appreciation of the medieval Mediterranean world. This study examines the role of written agreements in eleventh- and twelfth-century Catalonia, and how they determined the social and political order." "By tracing the fate of these agreements - or convenientiae - from their first appearance to the late twelfth century, it is possible to demonstrate the remarkable stability of the fluid structures that they engendered in what is generally thought of as "feudal society." The opportunity presented by these records to examine the process of documentary change reveals the true nature and pace of the "transformation of the year 1000." Analysis of the convenientia as an instrument of power and its interaction with oral practices contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of the written word in medieval societies. Finally, a broad historiographical context establishes the significance of this study of Catalonia for a more general appreciation of the medieval Mediterranean world. The book thus raises in a forceful way many of the questions most intensely debated by historians of medieval Europe.--Publisher description "This study examines the role of written agreements in eleventh- and twelfth-century Catalonia, and how they determined the social and political order." "By tracing the fate of these agreements - or convenientiae - from their first appearance to the late twelfth century, it is possible to demonstrate the remarkable stability of the fluid structures that they engendered in what is generally thought of as "feudal society." The opportunity presented by these records to examine the process of documentary change reveals the true nature and pace of the "transformation of the year 1000." Analysis of the convenientia as an instrument of power and its interaction with oral practices contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of the written word in medieval societies Finally, a broad historiographical context establishes the significance of this study of Catalonia for a more general appreciation of the medieval Mediterranean world. The book thus raises in a forceful way many of the questions most intensely debated by historians of medieval Europe."--BOOK JACKET. This book examines the role of written agreements in eleventh- and twelfth-century Catalonia, and how they determined the social and political order. In addition to offering insights into subjects as diverse as the power of counts and bishops and the organization of rural societies, it addresses several current debates in medieval studies: the question of feudalism, the "transformation of the year 1000," medieval literacy, and the nature of Mediterranean societies. It is thus a local study that has wide implications for the history of medieval Europe. Examines the role of written agreements in eleventh- and twelfth-century Catalonia, and how they determined the social and political order. However, in addressing feudalism, the 'transformation of the year 1000', medieval literacy, and the nature of Mediterranean societies, it has wide implications for the history of medieval Europe. Around the year 1021, the young counts of Barcelona and Urgell, Berenguer Ramon I and Ermengol II, met, held negotiations, and concluded an agreement. Adam J. Kosto. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 315-345) And Indexes.