Date of Graduation
12-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in History (MA)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
History
Advisor/Mentor
Dominguez, Freddy C.
Committee Member
Walsh, Lora J.
Second Committee Member
Antov, Nikolay A.
Keywords
Capetian; French Kingship; Lilac Divinity; Medieval France; Political Theology; Sacred Kingship
Abstract
This study considers an alternative explanation for the ascendancy of the Capetian monarchy during the High Middle Ages. Through a broad consideration of notable kings across a large time period, I argue that the kings of France knowingly participated in a process of spiritual and cultural embellishment that traditional, comparative models have failed to properly assess. The paper begins with a short introduction and is followed by a consideration of how the Middle Ages have been framed historiographically. The next section offers a historiographical overview of feudalism to contextualize persistent issues in the field. The remaining sections consist largely of primary source analysis, engagement with the literature, and an exploration of novel approaches to this topic.
Citation
Anderson, M. E. (2024). Lilac Divinity: The Socio-Religious Transformation of the Capetian Monarchy. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/5541
