Per dilectam coniugem et regnorum consortem : empresses' roles in building the Salian dynasty, 1024 1125

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] The Salian dynasty amassed a great amount of power, expanded its territories, and established new concepts of kingship and rulership throughout its 100-year reign. The Salian empress- and queen-consorts, who were strategically incorporated into the image and administration of the family from the beginning of the first Salian emperor?s reign, were active participants in governing and expanding the realm. This dissertation addresses the various ways in which the Salian women influenced governing and the maintenance of their family's position, looking at three distinct aspects of the queen?s functions in the realm. First, the Salians established their power and position through rituals and images depicting ritual objects. Rituals and their associated objects were the means through which an individuals? status and position within the hierarchical structure of society were made visible. Second, the empresses were involved in the politics of the realm. They were particularly influential through their performance of traditional roles of mediating and acting as regents for young sons or absent husbands. And finally, the Salian queens and empresses influenced developments within their realm through religious patronage, which enhanced the image of their family, revealed their own personal piety, and represented one aspect of their influence in the allocation of resources in the realm.