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3 - The Local Basis of Power in a Wide Political Network (1012–1116)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 April 2022

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Summary

Abstract

The third chapter deals with the dynamics of seignorial affirmation and strategies of power implemented locally by the descendant branches of the group in their respective areas of influence: the low Apennines and the plain around the city of Bologna, the area of Faenza in Romagna, the countryside around Florence and the Apennines between Tuscia and Emilia. Specific attention is devoted to kinship ties with the Canossa, demonstrated by a cluster of charters kept by the church of Pisa. The chapter proposes that despite the progressive affirmation and the development of each seigneurial rule in different patrimonial areas, the kinship network remained active, vital and connected until at least the beginning of the twelfth century.

Keywords: kinship; Hucpoldings; seigneurial rule; landed possessions; western Emilia

At the beginning of the eleventh century, the kinship group's pattern of self-promotion proceeded in substantial continuity with previous decades, as outlined above. Close relationships with imperial power and a stronger relationship of vassalage with the archbishop of Ravenna enabled them to maintain prominence within the upper aristocratic circles of the kingdom, despite the loss of the march of Tuscia following the death of Boniface II. The group maintained a considerable and efficient operational capacity for some time, albeit without dynastic control of a wide public district. In the 1030s, for example, the most senior member of the Hucpoldings at that time, Hugh II, son of Walfredus, regained the title of marchio associated with the duchy of Spoleto and the march of Camerino. The starting point of Hugh II's notable political career was in achieving the highest position in the area of Faenza, probably attained thanks to his father Walfredus’ marriage to a woman from the exarchal aristocracy. The assets of the kindred in Bologna and authority in the Faenza area – all territories under the authority of the archbishop of Ravenna – brought to Hugh a decisive role in the new organizational structure given to the exarchate by imperial command. Later, in 1037, Hugh II obtained the duchy of Spoleto and the march of Camerino. He was the last person in the group's lineage to maintain a marchisal rank within the context of a well-defined public district. Hugh built his power in the same ways as his ancestors, above all thanks to a close relationship with the emperor outside sectors of kinship patrimony.

Type
Chapter
Information
Struggles for Power in the Kingdom of Italy
The Hucpoldings, c. 850-c.1100
, pp. 125 - 158
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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