On the basis of the "Capitulary de Villis," how would you characterize the conditions of material life in the Carolingian countryside?
The "Capitulary de Villis" makes the life of ordinary people seem repetitive and tedious. They work to build up their wealth and resources and maybe earn some extra money, but then they have to keep on giving a portion of their built up resources to their lords. Food products was one thing that they could perhaps stockpile a small amount of, but, "two-thirds shall be sent each year," to the lords for their own use. While the peasants were struggling, the lords observed a life filled with much more luxury. Stewards would take care of the money and the accounts of the livestock and such from each peasant family. Other stewards would be tasked to prepare grandiose meals for their lord or to clean the house.
No comments:
Post a Comment