Abstract
This chapter relies on the results of a recently published book, in which the author carried out the first systematic analysis of lordship in the Kingdom of Sicily during the Norman, Staufen, and early Angevin periods. Peasant worlds of hitherto unsuspected dynamism are at the heart of the chapter, as well as kings determined to curb the aristocratic authority and nobles forced to adapt their seigneurial power to both the forces at work in rural societies and royal policy. Among the many elements that favoured village society, the chapter focuses only on the size of seigneurial exactions, the superficial, external character of seigneurial power, and clientele relations within the villages.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
