Empress Adelheid and Countess Matilda [electronic resource] : Medieval Female Rulership and the Foundations of European Society /
Nash, Penelope.author.
This book compares two successful, elite women, Empress Adelheid (931-999) and Countess Matilda (1046-1115), for their relative ability to retain their wealth and power in the midst of the profound social changes of the eleventh century. The careers of the Ottonian queen and empress Adelheid and Countess Matilda of Tuscany reveal a growth of opportunities for women to access wealth and power. These two women are analyzed under three categories: their relationships with family and friends, how they managed their property (particularly land), and how they ruled. This analysis encourages a better understanding of gender relations in both the past and the present. .
Includes bibliographical references and index.
1. Introduction: Masterful and Formidable Ladies -- 2. Kin and Kith: Keeping Friends and Placating Enemies -- 3. Land: Building and Maintaining a Property Portfolio -- 4. Rule: Models of Rulership and the Tools of Justice .
This book compares two successful, elite women, Empress Adelheid (931-999) and Countess Matilda (1046-1115), for their relative ability to retain their wealth and power in the midst of the profound social changes of the eleventh century. The careers of the Ottonian queen and empress Adelheid and Countess Matilda of Tuscany reveal a growth of opportunities for women to access wealth and power. These two women are analyzed under three categories: their relationships with family and friends, how they managed their property (particularly land), and how they ruled. This analysis encourages a better understanding of gender relations in both the past and the present. .
Adelaide, Empress, consort of Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor, 931-999
Matilde, di Canossa, contessa, 1046-1115
Adelaide, Empress, consort of Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor, 931-999.
Matilde, di Canossa, contessa, 1046-1115.
Europe—History—476-1492.
Social history.
Europe—History.
Sociology.
History of Medieval Europe.
Social History.
European History.
Gender Studies.