WOMEN IN THE EUROPEAN EARLY MIDDLE AGES
I.WOMEN IN THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES
1.GENERAL REMARKS
A.500-1000 A.D.
B.WESTERN EUROPE
a.GERMANIC TRIBES, CELTIC TRIBES, ROMANS
b.CHRISTIAN RELIGION & PAGAN RELIGION
C.GERMANIC TRIBES OF IMPORTANCE
a.FRANKS = MEROVINGIANS & CAROLINGIANS
b.ANGLO-SAXONS
D.AFTER BREAKUP OF CHARLEMAGNE'S EMPIRE
a.WOMEN HAD UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITIES TO USE THEIR
TALENTS IN 10TH & 11TH CENTURIES
II.SOURCES FOR DOING WOMEN'S HISTORY
1.LAW CODES
A.FRANK, BURGUNDIAN, LOMBARD
B.MOST LIBERAL LAWS REGARDING WOMEN BURGUNDIAN & VISIGOTHIC
C.SALIAN FRANKS NOT INFLUENCED HEAVILY BY ROME
a.PROHIBITED WOMEN FROM INHERITING REAL ESTATE
b.BUT REVISED IN LATER 6TH C.
(1)SO DAUGHTER COULD INHERIT IN ABSENCE OF MALE HEIRS
III.STRUCTURE OF SOCIETY
1.TIERED SOCIETY
A.RULERS
B.WEALTHY BECOMING ARISTOCRATS (BARONS, MAGNATES)
C.FREE PEASANTS
D.SERFS
2.HOW IT WORKED
A.MAJORITY OF PEOPLE PEASANTS, BOTH FREE & UNFREE
B.AS EARLY MEDIEVAL SOCIETY FORMING, WOMEN HAD HIGHER STATUS
a.THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS VARIED & NEEDED
(1)QUEENS, CONSORTS
(2)MOTHERS
(3)NUNS & ABBESSES
(4)FARMERS
C.OWNING LAND DETERMINED WEALTH & STATUS
D.WOMEN ABLE TO BE LAND OWNERS
E.WOMEN COULD INHERIT IF NO MALE KIN
a.HEIRESSES SOUGHT AFTER
b.EVEN ABDUCTED
F.WOMEN EDUCATED IF NUN OR ARISTOCRAT
G.QUEENS MANY TIMES HELPED RUN KINGDOMS
a.OFTEN ROYAL TREASURER
b.CHIEF DIPLOMATIC OFFICER
c.ESPECIALLY IF OWNED LAND IN HER OWN NAME THEN VERY
POWERFUL
d.SERVED AS POWER BROKERS OVER ROYAL SUCCESSION STRUGGLES
e.& OTHER ASPECTS TOO AS LINE BETWEEN PUBLIC & PRIVATE NOT
DEFINITIVE AS TODAY
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H.AS SHORTAGE OF WOMEN FEMALES THUS MORE VALUABLE
IV.RESPONSIBILITIES OF WOMEN IN EARLY MIDDLE AGES
1.RUNNING HOUSEHOLD
A.NORMAL DAILY WORK OF SMALL HOUSEHOLDS
B.ALSO MANAGING LARGE ESTATES
C.WOMEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING:
a.ENSURING GOOD GATHERED, STORED, PRESERVED, COOKED
b.MAKING THREAD, CLOTH, CLOTHES
c.CHILD CARE
d.CARE OF POULTRY
e.SHEARING SHEEP
D.ANY EXTRA WOMEN MADE LIKE FOOD & BEER COULD BE SOLD FOR EXTRA
MONEY
V.SPECIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF WOMEN IN EARLY MIDDLE AGES
1.PEACE WEAVERS
A.1 OF NICKNAMES FOR WOMEN IN OLD ENGLISH
a.FREOTHUWEBBE = WEAVER OF PEACE
B.DAUGHTERS OF ROYAL HOUSES USED TO HEAL ENMITY BETWEEN PEOPLE
a.OR TO CEMENT FRIENDSHIP
C.AETHELBURH
a.DAUGHTER OF CHRISTIAN KING AETHELBERHT OF KENT
b.MARRIED TO PAGAN KING EDWIN OF NORTHUMRIA
c.POPE WROTE TO HER ENCLOSING SILVER MIRROR & IVORY & GOLD
COMB ASKING HER TO USE HER INFLUENCE TO BRING HER
HUSBAND INTO CHURCH
d.EDWIN DID CONVERT, BUT WE AREN'T SURE IF AETHELBURH WAS
RESPONSIBLE OR NOT
(1)SHE PROBABLY WAS, THOUGH
e.BUT POPE RECOGNIZED POWER WIVES HAD OVER THEIR HUSBANDS
2.LAND OWNERS
A.IN ANGLO-SAXON ENGLAND WOMEN SOMETIMES CONSIDERABLE
LANDOWNERS
B.PLACE NAMES INDICATE THIS
a.ADDERBURY, OXFORDSHIRE = EADBURG'S MANOR
b.WOLVERHAMPTON = WULFRUN'S CHIEF ESTATE
(1)SHE WEALTHY STAFFORDSHIRE LADY
C.INFAMOUS LADY GODIVA
a.REAL NAME GODGIFU
(1)WIFE OF EARL OF MERCIA, LEOFRIC
b.SHE MAKING RIDE THROUGH HER LANDS
D.WOMEN COULD WILL THEIR LAND TO WHOMEVER
E.THEY COULD DISOWN THEIR CHILDREN
F.RECORDS INDICATE WOMEN EVEN TAKEN TO COURT TO ATTEMPT TO GAIN
LANDS, BUT WOMEN WON
VI.FAMOUS WOMEN IN THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES
1.QUEEN CLOTILD OF BURGUNDY CA. 475-545
A.WIFE OF CLOVIS - RULER OF MEROVINGIAN KINGDOM
B.SHE RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS CONVERSION TO ROMAN CHRISTIANITY
a.EXTREMELY IMPORTANT
C.GREGORY OF TOURS WRITES ABOUT HER
a.QUEEN CLOTILD REVEALED HERSELF OF SUCH A NOBLE AND PIOUS
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NATURE THAT SHE WON THE RESPECT OF ALL. SHE WAS NEVER
WEARY IN ALMSGIVING OR IN PRAYER THROUGH THE NIGHT
WATCHES; IN CHASTITY AND IN AL VIRTUE SHE SHOWED
HERSELF WITHOUT STAIN, TO THE CHURCHES, THE MONASTERIES
AND OTHER SACRED PLACES SHE GAVE THE LANDS NEEDFUL FOR
THEIR WELFARE.
D.SHE HAD GREAT WEALTH AT HER COMMAND
a.SO GREAT PATRON
E.MADE INTO SAINT FOR HER PIOUS ENDEAVORS
2.FREDEGUND ( D. 597) & BRUNHILDA (CA. 534-613)
A.LATE 6TH C. QUEENS
B.FIERCE RIVALRY BETWEEN THEM
C.FREDEGUN POWERFUL IN WESTERN PORTION OF KINGDOM
a.NEUSTRIA
D.BRUNHILDA IN EASTERN PART
a.AUSTRASIA
E.POWER CAME THROUGH RULE AS CONSORT, MOTHER OF KING OR
GRANDMOTHER OF KING
F.FEUD BEGAN WHEN KING OF NEUSTRIA, CHILDPERIC I MURDERED HIS WIFE,
GALSWITHA
G.GALSWITHA & BRUNHILDA SISTERS
a.FROM VISIGOTHIC SPAIN - MORE REFINED COURT
b.BRUNHILDA WELL EDUCATED & PATRON OF ARTS
H.FREDEGONDA ROYAL CONCUBINE
a.KNOWN FOR HER RECKLESS CHARACTER
b.REPUTEDLY INSTIGATED CRIME
c.SHE MARRIED CHILPERIC AFTER GALSWITHA'S DEATH
I.IN REVENGE BRUNHILDA SET OUT TO DESTROY FREDEGONDA
J.WAR & INTRIGUE LASTED FOR NEXT NEARLY 50 YEARS
K.AMOUNT OF BLOOD ON BRUNHILDA'S HANDS MAY HAVE BEEN
EXAGGERATED BY HER CONTEMPORARIES
L.AS NEGATIVE IMAGE THROUGHOUT HISTORY
M.AT 80 YEARS OF AGE SHE DRAGGED TO DEATH BY WILD HORSE AT ORDER
OF HER ENEMIES
N.WAGNER HAS IMMORTALIZED HER IN HIS OPERAS
3.ADELAIDE OF BURGUNDY 931-999
A.FATE OF GERMANY & HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE CHANGED WHEN OTTO I
MARRIED HER
B.SHE INHERITED LARGE ESTATES IN LOMBARDY
a.AFTER DEATH OF HER 1ST HUSBAND
C.WITH HER MARRIAGE TO OTTO CONNECTION BETWEEN ITALY & GERMANY
BEGAN
a.SIGNIFICANT PART OF HISTORY UNTIL LATE 19TH C.
D.HER SON OTTO II INCLUDED ADELAIDE IN HIS DECREES AFTER ARRIVING AT
DECISIONS
a.WITH THE ADVICE OF MY PIOUS MISTRESS AND DEAREST MOTHER
4.THEOPHANO D. 991
A.WHEN OTTO II DIED IN 983 HIS WIFE THEOPHANO ASSUMED TITLE
'IMPERATOR AUGUSTUS'
B.SHE DEFENDED HER SON'S OTTO'S TITLE BOTH FROM DUKES & PRINCES
EAGER TO SUPPORT ANOTHER CLAIMANT
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C.CHRONICLER SAID
a.SHE WAS A WOMAN OF DISCREET AND FIRM CHARACTER...WITH
TRULY MASCULINE STRENGTH SHE PRESERVED THE EMPIRE FOR
HER SON
5.MAROZIA
A.RULED ROME WITH HER MOTHER & FATHER FOR SEVERAL DECADES IN
EARLY 10TH C.
B.SHE HAD POPE JOHN X
a.REPORTEDLY HER MOTHER'S EX-LOVER
b.THROWN INTO PRISON WHERE HE DIED
c.PERHAPS SHE HAD HIM MURDERED
C.THEN HE WAS REPLACED WITH HER SON JOHN XI
a.SUPPOSEDLY HER SON BY HER LOVER POPE SERGIUS III
D.TWICE WIDOWED, SHE THEN MARRIED KING OF ITALY,
a.HUGH OF PROVENCE
E.THROUGH THIS MARRIAGE SHE NEARLY SUCCEEDED IN UNITING WHOLE
ITALIAN PENINSULA UNDER HER INFLUENCE
F.IN END SHE DROVE FROM HER MAIN CASTLE & BANISHED ALONG WITH HER
HUSBAND
6.MATILDA OF QUEDLINBURG
A.SISTER OF EMPEROR OTTO II
B.SHE RULED GERMAN AREA IN HIS NAME WHEN HE IN ITALY
C.SHE EVEN PRESIDED OVER CHURCH COUNCILS
D.HER BIOGRAPHER USED THE WORD METROPOLITAN TO DESCRIBE HER
AUTHORITY
a.OVERSEER OF BISHOPS
E.SHE FOUNDED ONE OF CHIEF LITERARY & SCHOLASTIC CENTERS OF WEST
AT QUEDLINBURG
F.SUCCEEDING ABBESSES ALWAYS MEMBERS OF ROYAL FAMILY
a.TO KEEP POWER IN FAMILY
VII.WOMEN IN RELIGIOUS LIFE OF EARLY MIDDLE AGES
1.GENERAL REMARKS
2.NUNNERIES & CONVENTS
A.BENEDICTINES
a.1ST ORDER FOR WOMEN
b.ESTABLISHED BY ST. SCHOLASTICA
(1)SISTER TO ST. BENEDICT,
(a)FOUNDER OF BENEDICTINES
3.PILGRIMS
A.JOURNEYED TO SAINTS' RESTING PLACES, ETC.
B.FROWNED ON FOR WOMEN TO TRAVEL, BUT THEY DID
VIII.FAMOUS WOMEN IN CHURCH IN EARLY MIDDLE AGES
1.HILD OR HILDA 616-680
A.IMPORTANT ABBESS AT DOUBLE MONASTERY IN NORTHERN ENGLAND
B.OF WHITBY, NORTHUMBRIA
2.ST. LIOBA D. 782
A.NAME IS ABBREVIATION OF LIOBGETHA = THE DEAR ONE
B.FROM WESSEX
C.BENEDICTINE CONVENT AT WIMBORNE
D.HER UNCLE ST. BONIFACE IN GERMANY CALLED FOR HER HELP
a.30 NUNS WERE SENT OVER
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(1)INCLUDING LIOBA, THECLA & WALBURGA
E.CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY & COMPANION TO ST. BONIFACE
F.CONVERTER OF PAGAN SAXONS
G.MANAGED CONVENT OF BISCHOFSHEIM
a.SET UP DAUGHTER MONASTERIES ELSEWHERE IN GERMANY
H.1 OF HER BEST FRIENDS
a.HILDEGARD, 1 OF CHARLEMAGNE'S QUEENS
I.WANTED TO BE BURIED WITH BONIFACE, BUT DIED LONG AFTER HIM SO
INTERRED NEAR HIM
3.HROSWITHA OF GANDERSHEIM
A.10TH C. NUN & WRITER
B.WELL EDUCATED IN CLASSICAL LEARNING
C.1ST EUROPEAN DRAMATIST IN NEARLY 5 CENTURIES
D.HER WORKS IN IMITATION OF ROMAN DRAMATIST TERENCE
E.FIRST MEDIEVAL DRAMA
F.WILL BE 2 CENTURIES LATER THAT REVIVAL OF THEATER TAKES HOLD IN
MIDDLE AGES
G.SHE WROTE SERIES OF ORIGINAL DRAMAS
H.HER FAMOUS DRAMA - DULCETIUS
I.ALSO WROTE HISTORIES, SHORT STORIES OF CHRISTIAN SUBJECT MATTER
4.HYGEBURG
A.ENGLISH NUN LIVING IN HEIDENHEIM NUNNERY IN GERMANY
B.WRITER
a.EARLIEST EXTANT BOOK OF TRAVEL & WRITTEN BY WOMAN
IX.MARRIAGE & FAMILY CUSTOMS OF EARLY MIDDLE AGES
1.STRUGGLE BETWEEN CHURCH & PAGAN CUSTOMS
A.THROUGHOUT MA CONTEST FOR SUPREMACY BETWEEN CHURCH & STATE
B.WHOSE CUSTOMS WOULD PREVAIL?
C.WILL TAKE CHURCH CENTURIES BEFORE HER IDEAS ACCEPTED BY PEOPLE
a.NOT UNTIL 16TH C. DID PRIESTS HAVE TO OFFICIATE AT WEDDINGS
b.POLYGAMY PREVAILED UNTIL 12TH C.
D.MARITAL CUSTOMS OF CHURCH BASED ON
a.OLD TESTAMENT
b.NEW TESTAMENT
c.ST. AUGUSTINE'S WRITINGS
E.MISSIONARIES SUCH AS ST. BONIFACE
a.PREACHED CHURCH'S VIEWS ON MANY SOCIAL CUSTOMS RELATING
TO MARRIAGE & FAMILY
X.TRADITIONS GERMANIC TRIBES BROUGHT TO MIDDLE AGES
1.DESCENT
A.DESCENT COMMONLY RECKONED THROUGH FEMALE LINE
a.AS IT COULD BE ORE RELIABLY DETERMINED THAN MALE'S LINE
XI.3 PARTS TO MAKE VALID MARRIAGE MIDDLE AGES
1.BARBARIAN MARRIAGES
A.SOME OF TRIBES' WIVES NO MORE THAN CHATTEL
B.THEY WERE BOUGHT & SOLD LIKE SLAVES
C.BETROTHAL ARRANGED BY MALE RELATIVES OF BRIDE
a.HER CONSENT NOT NECESSARY
D.BETROTHAL CONSISTED OR PROMISE OF MARRIAGE & AGREEMENT OF
TERMS
E.FOLLOWED BY FEAST OF 2 FAMILIES
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a.WHERE BRIDEPRICE TOOK PLACE
b.BRIDE GAVE GIFT OF ARMS TO GROOM
F.BUT MAIN ENDOWMENT FROM GROOM TO BRIDE
G.SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE WITH ROMAN PRACTICE
a.DOWRY FROM FATHER TO PERSPECTIVE GROOM
BARBARIANS PAID FOR THEIR WIFE
H. WHY?
a.IMPLICATION SHORTAGE OF WOMEN AMONG BARBARIANS
b.SUPPOSITION STRENGTHENED BY PREVALENCE OF ABDUCTIONS
I.AMONG SOME TRIBES SUTTEE OR SACRIFICE OF WIDOW ON DEATH OF
HUSBAND PRACTICED
J.ALSO ABDUCTION FORM OF MARRIAGE TOO
a.HAPPENED EVEN ON BATTLE FIELD
2.CHURCH'S MARRIAGE PATTERN
A.3 PARTS
BETROTHAL, WEDDING CEREMONY, CONSUMMATION
B.BETROTHAL
a.GROOM GAVE RING TO BRIDE
b.HER ACCEPTANCE OF RING PLEDGE OF HER FIDELITY & HER
UNAVAILABILITY TO ALL OTHER MEN
c.RING TO GROOM NOT UNTIL 16TH C.
C.READING OF BANNS IN CHURCH URGED
a.SO PUBLIC RECOGNITION
b.PREVENT TOO CLOSE RELATIVE FROM MARRYING
D.AS VALID MARRIAGE WHEN TWO OF THEM EXCHANGED VOWS IN PRIVATE
AREAS
a.BEDROOMS
b.FIELDS
c.PUBS
E.BEGINNING 10TH C. CHURCH URGED THEM TO USE CHURCH PORCH AS MOST
PUBLIC PLACE
F.WEDDING CEREMONY
a.WEDDING TOOK PLACE NEXT
b.DATE CHOSEN BY MOST PROPITIOUS PHASE OF MOON
(1)WHY WE USE HONEYMOON TERM
c.EXCHANGE OF VOWS
(1)I TAKE THEE TO BE MY WEDDED....
(2)DATES FROM 11TH C.
G.CONSUMMATION OF MARRIAGES
a.CHURCH USED THIS AS FINAL STEP TO MAKE VALID MARRIAGE
b.WHY BECAUSE OF BETROTHALS OF CHILDREN
c.IN ARISTOCRACY RANKS POLITICAL MARRIAGES NB TOOLS
(1)ALLIANCES, PREVENTS WAR
d.SO CHURCH SET 7 YRS OLD AS YOUNGEST AGE FOR BETROTHAL
(1)MANY EGS OF EARLIER AGE THOUGH
e.EVENTUALLY CHURCH SAID CONSUMMATION AGE
(1)12 FOR GIRLS
(2)14 FOR BOYS
H.MANY EXAMPLES EARLY BETROTHALS
a.KING JOHN IN ENGLAND IN 20'S WHEN CONSUMMATED MARRIAGE
WITH 12 YEAR OLD WIFE
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I.STUDY OF ARISTOCRATIC MARRIAGES IN GERMANY
a.1/3 OF PEOPLE 13 YEARS OLD
b.1/3 OF PEOPLE 14 YEARS OLD
c.1/3 OF PEOPLE 15 YEARS OLD
3.INTERESTING ITEMS RELATING TO CELEBRATION OF WEDDINGS
A.MORGENGABE = MORGEN GIFU - MORNING GIFT
B.GERMANIC TRIBES HAD 4TH ELEMENT TO VALIDATE MARRIAGE
C.WIFE GOT GIFT OF LAND OR SOME OTHER TANGIBLE GIFT
D.FOLLOWING CONSUMMATION OF MARRIAGE
E.HUSBAND'S ACQUISITION OF HIS SEXUAL RIGHTS
F.LASTED UNTIL 11TH C
G.TODAY SCANDINAVIA STILL EXISTS
a.NEW WIVES GIVEN MORNING RINGS
4.POLYGAMY VERSUS MONOGAMY
A.POLYGAMY PRACTICED BY GERMANIC TRIBES
B.1 OF 1ST AREAS CHURCH & BARBARIANS DISAGREED
C.MANY 2ND WIVES WERE ABDUCTED FROM ENEMY
D.MONOGAMY - CHURCH'S ONLY ACCEPTABLE MARRIAGE
E.ST AUGUSTINE
a.EXCUSED PROPHETS OLD TESTAMENT PRACTICING POLYGAMY
(1)SOLE MOTIVATION NOT LUST BUT PROPAGATION
b.WORLD NOW AMPLY STOCKED
c.DAY OF JUDGEMENT COMING
d.SO MULTIPLE WIVES NO LONGER NEEDED
5.CONCUBINAGE
A.2ND CLASS WIFE AS IN ROMAN DAYS
B.COMMON PRACTICE GERMANIC LEADERS
C.MORE WEALTH MORE CONCUBINES
D.CHURCH'S STANCE
a.CONCUBINES GO OR MARRY IF RIGHT STATUS
6.MANY EXAMPLES OF POLYGAMY & CONCUBINAGE
A.CHARIBERT - 6TH C. MEROVINGIAN KING
a.ENAMORED PAIR SISTERS IN HIS WIFE'S RETINUE
b.SO REPUDIATED WIFE
c.THEN MARRIED SISTERS SEQUENTIALLY
d.AND MARRIED ANOTHER WIFE IN BETWEEN SISTERS
e.EVEN THOUGH EXCOMMUNICATED
(1)REFUSED TO BE COERCED
B.DAGOBERT - 7TH C. MEROVINGIAN KING
a.REPUDIATED 1ST WIFE
b.MARRIED 3 OTHERS SIMULTANEOUSLY
c.WHILE MAINTAINING SO MANY CONCUBINES
d.CHRONICLER SAID NOT SPACE TO NAME ALL THEM
7.ADULTERY
A.WHILE CHURCH ADOPTED SINGLE SEXUAL STANDARD
NO ADULTERY - HUSBAND OR WIFE
B.IN PRACTICE CHURCH ACCEPTED TRADITIONAL GERMANIC BIAS
a.HUSBAND OK - WIFE NO
C.SOME REGIONS MAN ADULTERER ONLY IF SEX W/MARRIED WOMAN
D.IF W/SINGLE WOMAN THEN FORNICATION - LESSER SIN
E.BUT WIFE ADULTERESS WHETHER SEX W/BACHELOR OR MARRIED MAN
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F.EACH TRIBE HAD OWN LAWS ON ADULTERY
G.MOST GERMANIC TRIBES ADULTERY RARE FOR WIVES
H.AS PUNISHMENT VERY SEVERE
I.1 TRIBE PUNISHED ON SPOT BY HUSBAND
a.HAIR CUT OFF
b.STRIPPED NAKED
c.TURNED OUT OF HOUSE & FLOGGED ALL WAY OUT OF VILLAGE
d.ONCE DISHONORED NEVER COULD RETURN
J.ANOTHER TRIBE HUSBAND HAD RIGHT TO KILL ADULTEROUS WIFE
K.SEVERAL FEMALE CORPSES FROM NORTHERN PEAT BOGS FOUND
a.NOT ONLY HUNG, BUT HAIR SHORN
L.PLUS OPTION OF KILLING LOVER OR DEMANDING LARGE COMPENSATION
M.LOMBARDS
a.ACCUSED LOVER COULD ASK FOR TRIAL BY COMBAT
(1)PROVIDED NOT SLAVE OR CAUGHT IN ACT
N.ANGLO-SAXON ENGLAND
a.WIFE'S NOSE & EARS CUT OFF
8.INCEST
A.GERMANIC PEOPLES PRACTICED INCEST ON WIDE SCALE
B.SEXUAL RELATIONS BETWEEN BROTHER & SISTER
a.OR BETWEEN PARENTS & CHILDREN
C.INCEST MAJOR THEME OF 19TH C. COMPOSER RICHARD WAGNER IN HIS
OPERAS
D.CHURCH COUNCILS 5 & 6TH CENTURIES REPEATEDLY CONDEMNED INCEST
E.CHARLEMAGNE 802 A.D. CONDEMNED INCEST
9.DIVORCE
A.EARLY M. A. COMMON PRACTICE ALL GERMANIC TRIBES
B.EASY FOR HUSBAND NOT FOR WIFE
C.ONLY ANGLO-SAXONS WIVES COULD GET DIVORCE
D.GERMANIC LAW HUSBAND COULD REPUDIATE WIFE VARIETY REASONS
E.IF HAD NO REASON THEN HAD TO GIVE UP HER PROPERTY & PAY HER
COMPENSATION
F.CHURCH ASSOCIATED DEGRADATION OF ROMAN NOBILITY W/COMMON
PRACTICE OF DIVORCE & REMARRIAGE
G.CHURCH DECIDED TO USE NEW TESTAMENT AS GUIDE
H.AS OLD TESTAMENT ALLOWED DIVORCE
a.DEUTERONOMY 24:1-4
I.ST. AUGUSTINE HAD DEVELOPED CHURCH'S THEOLOGY ON DIVORCE
J.HE THOUGHT NEW TESTAMENT AMBIGUOUS
a.MARK 10:11-12
b.JESUS FORBADE DIVORCE
c.MATTHEW 5:32
(1)CERTAIN REASONS DIVORCE LEGITIMATE
d.TODAY - CONSENSUS JESUS AGAINST DIVORCE
e.MARK'S MORE ANCIENT ACCOUNT IS CORRECT
f.MATTHEW' RECASTED JESUS' WORDS BASED ON JEWISH PRACTICE OF
TIMES
K.BUT CHURCH NOT ABLE TO MAKE ANY HEADWAY IN GETTING PEOPLE TO
DO AWAY W/DIVORCE
L.COURSE OF MIDDLE AGES CHURCH FOLLOWED UNEVEN PATTERN OF
ALLOWING & DISALLOWING DIVORCE
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M.BY LAST HALF 8TH C. CHURCH DECIDED DIVORCE OK FOR CERTAIN
REASONS
a.IF CAN'T WIN BATTLE - THEN JOIN THEM
N.6 WAYS ALLOWED
a.ADULTERY
b.SERVILE STATUS ANCESTRY OF WIFE
c.LEPROSY
d.LACK OF CONSENT
e.HUSBAND IMPOTENT
f.SPOUSE LEFT TO BECOME MONK OR NUN
O.NO TO MUTUAL CONSENT WIDELY PRACTICED BY SOCIETY
P.9TH C MARRIAGE BECOMES 1 OF SACRAMENTS
Q.PROFOUND IMPACT ON DIVORCE
R.CHURCH NOW OUTLAWS DIVORCE
S.MARRIAGE INDISSOLVABLE EXCEPT FOR PAPAL DISPENSATION
T.CHARLEMAGNE AGREED TO THIS
U.WHY?
V.NO COMPETITION FROM NOBLES MAKING ADVANTAGEOUS MARRIAGES &
DIVORCES TO ALIGN AGAINST HIM
W.CHARLEMAGNE HIMSELF GOOD EG OF CHANGEOVER
X.POLITICAL 1st MARRIAGE W/LOMBARD PRINCESS
Y.DIVORCED YEAR LATER AS BARREN
Z.CONVENIENTLY CHURCH'S PRESSURE TO PROHIBIT DIVORCE CAME AFTER
HIS DIVORCE
AA.CHARLEMAGNE MARRIED 3 MORE TIMES
a.2ND WIFE HILDEGARD (9 CHILDREN IN 12 YRS)
b.BUT EACH WIFE CONVENIENTLY DIED 1ST
BB.COMFORTED OLD AGE W/4 CONCUBINES
10.AFTER CHARLEMAGNE
A.LOUIS THE PIOUS - 9TH C.
a.SON OF CHARLEMAGNE
b.WIFE JUDITH ACCUSED ADULTERY
c.REFUSED TO DIVORCE HER
d.CHURCH NAMED HIM PIOUS FOR HIS DEEDS
B.OTHER RULERS NOT ACQUIESCE SO EASILY ABOUT NO DIVORCE
C.9 C BEGAN SERIES CELEBRATED CONFRONTATIONS BETWEEN RULERS &
CHURCH
D.CHURCH NOW MORE POWERFUL & COULD EXERT MORE INFLUENCE
E.LOTHAIR II - 9TH C.
a.1 OF SUCCESSORS TO CHARLEMAGNE
b.RULER OF LORRAINE
c.POLITICAL MARRIAGE W/THEUTBERGA
d.WANTED DIVORCE TO MARRY FORMER CONCUBINE, WALDRADA
e.THEUTBERGA BARREN
f.HAD CHILDREN BY WALDRADA & WANTED TO LEGITIMIZE THEM
g.NEED FOR HEIR TO INHERIT THRONE
h.VERY NB MA
F.HINCMAR, ARCHBISHOP REIMS 806-882
a.STATED CHURCH'S POSITION
b.SEPARATION ADULTERY OK, DIVORCE NO
G.LITIGATION LASTED OVER 8 YRS
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H.LOTHAIR ACCUSED THEUTBERGA HOST OF SINS
a.INCEST W/HER BROTHER
b.LACK OF CONSENT ON HIS PART
c.WIFE WANTED TO ENTER CONVENT
d.NOT VIRGIN AT MARRIAGE
e.CONFRONT W/AVOWAL OF HER VIRGINITY AT MARRIAGE SAID
ACHIEVED THRU HER OCCULT POWERS
I.LOTHAIR GOT OTHER CHURCHMEN TO AGREE TO DIVORCE
a.USED FORGED DOCUMENTS
b.& FORCED CONFESSION FROM THEUTBERGA
J.POPE SAID NO
K.PROBLEM SOLVED WHEN BOTH WALDRADA & THEUTBERGA ENTERED
CONVENTS
L.LOTHAIR PENITENT TO ROME & GOT ABSOLUTION FROM POPE
M.DIED ON RETURN JOURNEY W/NO HEIRS
N.KINGDOM DIVIDED
11.HINCMAR
A.CLARIFIED CHURCH'S POSITION ON DIVORCE
B.USED ANALOGY SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
a.IT WAS NOT CANCELED BY SIN COMMITTED BY BAPTIZED PERSON
b.PARTNER WHO COMMITTED ADULTERY COULD DO PENANCE
C.CAUTIONED HUSBANDS CHOOSING WIVES
a."ONCE TAKEN THEIR DEFECTS HAD TO BE BORNE WHETHER SHE BE
DRUNKARD, IRRITABLE, IMMORAL, GLUTTONOUS, VAGABOND OR
SPENT TOO MUCH
D.ONLY BASIS DISSOLVING MARRIAGE WAS ITS ILLEGITIMACY
E.OTHER WORDS PROOF NEVER PROPERLY TAKEN PLACE
F.PEOPLE COULD OBTAIN ANNULMENT FOR THAT
XII.3 WAYS TO GET ANNULMENT
1.CONSANGUINITY = BLOOD RELATIONSHIP
A.IF PROVE TOO CLOSELY RELATED BUT MARRIED ANYWAY
B.CHURCH PROHIBITED MARRIAGE TO COMMON ANCESTOR RELATED TO 4TH
DEGREE
C.BASED ON EUGENIC GROUNDS
a.POPE SAID: WE HAVE FOUND BY EXPERIENCE THAT NO [GOOD]
OFFSPRING CAN COME OF SUCH WEDLOCK
2.AFFINITY
A.YOUR AFFINES = YOUR IN-LAWS
B.MARRIAGE PROHIBITED W/THEM
C.BIBLE
a.THEY SHALL BE 2 IN 1 FLESH - WIFE OF THY BROTHER IS THY SISTER
D.BUT PRACTICED BY PEOPLE IN EARLY MIDDLE AGES
a.HIGHLY CONVENIENT
b.KEPT WEALTH IN FAMILY
E.EG - CHLOTAR I a.FRANKISH KING
b.MARRIED HIS BROTHER'S WIDOW & LATER WIFE'S SISTER
F.EARLY MEDIEVAL RULERS DECIDED TO COOPERATE W/CHURCH TO OUTLAW
MARRIAGE W/INLAW
G.SECULAR LAW STRICT PUNISHMENT
a.DEATH
11
3.SPIRITUAL AFFINITY
A.MARRIAGE PROHIBITED BETWEEN GODPARENT OR GODCHILD
4.CONSEQUENCES OF ANNULMENT
A.INCREASED CHURCH'S INFLUENCE
a.NECESSARY FOR ECCLESIASTICAL INVESTIGATIONS TO GIVE OK
BEFORE VALID MARRIAGE
B.11TH C CHURCH ADOPTED 7TH DEGREE CONSANGUINITY
a.GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT GRANDFATHER
(1)COMMON ANCESTOR BACK (6TH COUSINS)
C.WHY OCCURRED SCHOLARS STILL DEBATING
D.HARDLY ANY RULER COULD FOLLOW AS MUCH INTERMARRIAGE
E.SO PAYMENT OF HEAVY FINES ALLOWED MARRIAGE OF CLOSER THAN 7
DEGREES
F.HISTORY THIS PERIOD FULL OF HUSBANDS DISCOVERED RELATED TO WIVES
WHEN IT BECAME EXPEDIENT TO DO SO
G.TRACING & MANUFACTURING GENEALOGIES EMPLOYED HOST OF LAWYERS
5.EXAMPLES
A.WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR & WIFE MATILDA
a.FOUND OUT TOO CLOSELY RELATED
b.BUILT GREAT ABBEY TO RECTIFY IT
B.ELEANOR OF AQUATAINE
a.WANTED TO DIVORCE LOUIS VII ALTHOUGH MARRIED 15 YRS & HAD
SEVERAL DAUGHTERS- NO SONS
b.TO WED HENRY II OF ENGLAND
c.FOUND OUT KINSHIP W/LOUIS 4 & 5TH DEGREES
6.PEASANTS
A.DOUBLE BIND
B.CHURCH AGAINST CLOSE BREEDING
C.BUT FINED BY LORD OF MANOR IF MARRIED OUTSIDE
a.AS IT WOULD DEPRIVE LORD OF NEEDED LABOR SERVICES
7.FINAL OUTCOME OF 7TH DEGREE PROHIBITION MARRIAGE
A.1215 FOURTH LATERAN COUNCIL
B.CHURCH WENT BACK TO 4 DEGREES
C.CHURCH STILL AGAINST DIVORCE
D.BUT NOW ALLOWED LEGAL SEPARATION
E.PEASANTS STILL HAD INFORMAL ONES AS TOO COSTLY
F.7 REASONS FOR SEPARATION
a.CRUELTY BY HUSBAND
b.ADULTERY
c.LEPROSY
d.HERESY
e.HUSBAND'S IMPOTENT
f.WIFE'S DRUNKENNESS
g.INCOMPATIBILITY
G.NOT LIGHTLY GIVEN THOUGH
8.EXAMPLE OF SEPARATION
A.WIFE SOUGHT SEPARATION WHEN
a.HUSBAND ATTACKED HER W/KNIFE
b.ANOTHER TIME ATTACKED HER W/DAGGER,
(1)WOUNDING HER ARM
(2)& BREAKING 1 OF HER RIBS
12
B.HUSBAND CLAIMED HIS CONDUCT REASONABLE
a.JUST TRYING TO MEND HIS WIFE'S WAYS
C.SEPARATION NOT GRANTED
D.ORDERED HUSBAND TO BEHAVE W/GREATER RESTRAINT IN FUTURE
E.WIFE BEATING OK MIDDLE AGES AS LONG AS DID NOT DRAW BLOOD
9.BIRTH CONTROL
A.WEST UNLIKE MANY OTHER CULTURES HAD FOLKLORE & INTELLECTUAL
TRADITION DATING BACK TO ARISTOTLE
B.ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO THINK OF CONTRACEPTION IN TERMS OF
BLOCKING THE SPERM
C.MEDIEVAL PEOPLE HAD DESIRE TO PREVENT CONCEPTION
D.MEDIEVAL MEDICAL SOURCES DISCUSS WAYS
a.HOLDING PIECE OF JASPER IN HAND
b.HERBS, OINTMENTS
c.ACT OF ONAN = COITUS INTERRUPTUS
(1)PROBABLY MOST SUCCESSFUL & USED
E.CHURCH FORBADE PARISHIONERS TO USE CONTRACEPTIVES
F.WHY - CONSIDERED BIRTH CONTROL 1 OF PRIME SINS
G.AUGUSTINE MAIN CHURCH AUTHORITY OF THIS
H.REACTED TO HERETICAL SECT MANICHEANS BELIEF
a.SEXUAL INTERCOURSE INTENTIONALLY NON-PROCREATIVE SACRED
I.AUGUSTINE BELIEVED NOTHING RATIONAL, SPIRITUAL OR SACRAMENTAL IN
ACT OF SEXUAL INTERCOURSE ITSELF
J.HE ACCEPTED STOIC ANALYSIS
a.ONLY REASON FOR INTERCOURSE IN MARRIAGE
(1)PROCREATION
K.CONTRACEPTION BY DESTROYING HUMAN SEMEN
a.FORM OF MURDER
L.MORALLY SPEAKING IT REFLECTED CONCUPISCENCE = UNRESTRAINED
LUST
M.AS GRAVE A SIN AS MURDER & PAGAN WITCHCRAFT
N.INCEST W/ONE'S DAUGHTER LESS SIN THAN PRACTICING BIRTH CONTROL
W/ONE'S WIFE
O.BIRTH CONTROL PRACTICED BY MARRIED COUPLES WORSE THAN BY
UNMARRIED ONES
10.ABORTION
A.MEDIEVAL MEDICAL SOURCES LISTED METHODS
a.STRENUOUS EXERCISES
b.CARRYING HEAVY LOADS
c.HOT BATHS
d.LIQUIDS INJECTED INTO WOMB
B.AGAIN AUGUSTINE FORMULATOR CHURCH'S POSITION
C.ABORTION OK IF FOETUS LESS THAN 40 DAYS - HAD NO SOUL
D.BUT ABORTION MURDER IF FOETUS OVER 40 DAYS AS HAD SOUL
E.NO RECORD OF ANY PERSON BROUGHT TO TRIAL FOR ABORTION
11.INFANTICIDE
A.EARLY YEARS MA FATHERS HAD RIGHT TO DISAVOW INFANTS OR SELL
THEM OR HAVE THEM KILLED
B.FOLLOWED SAME PRACTICES AS ROMANS
C.BY 4TH C. INFANTICIDE OUTLAWED BUT CONTINUED ANYWAY
D.FROM 9TH C. PENITENTIAL & SERMONS WARNED PARENTS AGAINST
13
SLEEPING WITH INFANTS
a.AS THESE APPEARED TO BE 1 OF MAJOR "ACCIDENTS"
b.WHEN INFANTS DIED
E.MAJOR VICTIMS OF INFANTICIDE
a.DEFORMED CHILDREN
b.PROGENY OF ILLICIT RELATIONSHIPS
c.GIRLS
F.PENALTIES FOR COMMITTING INFANTICIDE
G.RANGED FROM PUBLIC PENANCES TO DEATH
H.SEVEREST PENALTY FOR UNMARRIED PARENTS
I.BUT ALLOWANCE MADE FOR ECONOMIC REASONS
J.& SINGLE GIRLS COULD PLEASE INSANITY
K.DEATH WAS BY
a.BURNING ALIVE
b.DROWNING
c.BURIED ALIVE
1WOMEN IN VIKING CULTURE
1.1GENERAL REMARKS
1.1.1NO CONTEMPORARY SOURCES GIVE US PRECISE & DETAILED
KNOWLEDGE OF VIKING AGE SOCIETY
1.1.2MYTHOLOGY OF VIKINGS GIVES US MASCULINE WORLD
1.1.3WHERE WARRIOR MAIN HERO
1.1.4GODDESSES, GIANTESSES OR ORDINARY WOMEN ARE GENERALLY
DECORATIVE & PERIPHERAL
1.1.5ALMOST ALL ACTION IS MALE ACTION
1.1.6WHERE WOMEN ARE INVOLVED IN ACTION,
1.1.6.1IT IS OFTEN AS CATALYSTS FOR CONFLICTS
1.1.6.2THAT MALE ACTION HAS TO RESOLVE
1.1.7GIANTESS & OTHER SUCH FIGURES ARE FROM A REMOTE LEGENDARY
PAST NOT IN A MODERN RECENT ERA
1.1.8BUT THERE ARE FEW POEMS BY FEMALE POETS SUGGESTING TRADITION
OF POETRY DONE BY WOMEN
1.1.9BUT IT WAS NOT PRESERVED BECAUSE IT DID NOT CONFORM TO
PREVAILING MASCULINE DISCOURSE
1.1.10BUT BOTH FATHER & MOTHERS' KIN MADE OF FAMILY GROUPINGS
1.1.11INDIVIDUAL OWED OBLIGATIONS TO BOTH FAMILIES
1.2STRUCTURE OF VIKING SOCIETY
1.2.1GREAT SOCIAL & ECONOMIC DIFFERENCES EXISTED IN VIKING SOCIETY
1.2.1.1DEAD MIGHT BE BURIED IN WONDERFULLY FURNISHED GRAVES
1.2.1.2OR CARELESSLY DISCARDS
1.2.2WE KNOW ABOUT KINGS, CHIEFTAINS
1.2.3FREE FARMERS
1.2.4SLAVES
1.2.5PLUS VARIOUS SOCIAL STATIONS IN BETWEEN
1.2.6WE KNOW LEAST ABOUT THESE MIDDLE GROUPS
1.2.6.1WE KNOW NAMES BUT NOT WHAT THEY MEAN
1.2.6.2& NOT GENERAL AGREEMENT EITHER
1.2.7THE FREE
1.2.7.1FREE BACKBONE OF SOCIETY
1.2.7.2FREE HAD RIGHT TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS AT THE "THING"
14
1.2.7.3ASSEMBLY
1.2.7.4WHERE PUBLIC ISSUES DISCUSSED AND DECISIONS TAKEN
1.2.7.5BUT NO INDICATION WOMEN INVOLVED IN THIS ASSEMBLY
1.3ECONOMY OF VIKINGS
1.3.1AGRICULTURE BASIC OCCUPATION ALMOST EVERYWHERE
1.3.2LAND CONFERRED STATUS
1.3.3ESSENTIAL PART OF POWER BASE OF ROYALTY & ARISTOCRACY
1.3.3.1LARGE LAND HOLDINGS
1.3.4HISTORIANS NOT SURE WOMEN OWNERS OF LAND
1.3.5TRADE IN AMBER, WALRUS TUSKS, SLAVES
1.4ROLES & STATUS OF WOMEN IN VIKING SOCIETY
1.4.1MUCH EVIDENCE WOMEN HELD THEIR OWN
1.4.2EVEN THOUGH MEN HAD UPPER HAND
1.4.3MANY WOMEN EXERCISED INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY
1.4.4& RESPECTED AS MEMBERS OF THEIR OWN SOCIAL CLASS
1.4.5WOMEN'S STATUS MAY HAVE IMPROVED DURING VIKING AGE
1.4.6SINCE MEN OFTEN AWAY ON LONG MILIARY EXPEDITIONS OR TRADING
VOYAGES
1.4.7LEAVING WOMEN IN CHARGE AT HOME
1.4.8MANY RUNE STONES ALL OVER SCANDINAVIA RAISED BY WOMEN OR IN
MEMORY OF WOMEN
1.4.9WOMEN PRAISED FOR GOOD HOUSEKEEPING & OTHER TRADITIONALLY
FEMININE QUALITIES
1.4.9.1& SKILLS NB TO FARMING COMMUNITIES
1.4.10ODINDISA FROM VASTMANLAND IN SWEDEN GIVEN THIS OBITUARY BY
HER HUSBAND
1.4.10.1THERE WILL NOT COME TO HASSMYRA A BETTER MISTRESS WHO
HOLDS SWAY OVER THE FARM
1.4.11GUNNVOR HAD THIS WRITTEN ABOUT HER YOUNG DAUGHTER ASTRID
ON FINE STONE IN DYMNA IN SOUTHERN NORWAY
1.4.11.1SHE WAS THE HANDIEST [MOST SKILFUL] GIRL IN HADELAND
1.4.12GIVEN NB OF FAMILY UNIT, CONSISTING OF SPOUSE & SIBLINGS
1.4.13IT IS NOT SURPRISING THAT LARGEST & MOST SPLENDID RUNIC
MONUMENTS MENTION WOMEN
1.4.14KINGS RAISED MONUMENTS IN MEMORY OF THEIR QUEENS
1.4.15SONS IN MEMORY OF THEIR PARENTS OR IN MEMORY OF THEIR MOTHER
1.4.16ROYAL DESCENT ON MOTHER'S SIDE SUFFICIENT TO ESTABLISH
LEGITIMATE CLAIM TO THRONE
1.4.16.1LIKE IN ANCIENT EGYPT
1.4.17WITHIN SAME SOCIAL SPHERE WOMEN';S GRAVES JUST AS SPLENDID AS
MEN'S GRAVES
1.4.18IN FACT WOMAN'S GRAVE AT OSEBERG IN VESTFOLD, SOUTHERN
NORWAY
1.4.19IS MOST MAGNIFICENTLY FURNISHED OF ALL VIKING AGE GRAVES
1.4.20DEMONSTRATING ARISTOCRATIC WOMEN COULD HAVE GREAT WEALTH
& STANDING IN COMMUNITY
1.4.21QUEEN DIED SOMETIME FIRST HALF 9TH C.
1.4.22GREAT SHIP 21.6 METERS LONG & 5 METERS WIDE
1.4.23MADE OUT OF OAK ELABORATELY CARVED
1.4.24TWO WOMEN, ONE IN HER 20'S
1.4.25OTHER ABOUT 50 WITH VERY BAD ARTHRITIS
15
1.4.25.1WHICH WAS QUEEN & WHICH SLAVE NOT KNOWN
1.4.25.2CONTENDERS FOR QUEEN
1.4.25.2.1ALFHILDR & ASA,
1.4.25.2.2BUT PROBABLY ASA
1.4.25.2.3AS ASUBERG IN OLD NORSE (OSEBERG)
1.4.26EVERYTHING THEY MIGHT
NEED INCLUDED
1.4.26.1CART & FOUR SLEDGES,
1.4.26.2SADDLE, 12 HORSES
1.4.26.33 BEDS, CHAIR, LAMPS, OAK CHESTS, TAPESTRIES
1.4.27THESE WOMEN & OTHERS BURIED WITH ITEMS THAT PERTAINED TO
THEIR ROLE
1.4.27.1HOUSEHOLD UTENSILS
1.4.27.1.1INCLUDING IRON FRYING PAN FOR OSEBERG BURIAL
1.4.27.2IMPLEMENTS FOR NEEDLEWORK, SPINNING & WEAVING
1.4.27.3JEWELLERY
1.4.27.4LAPDOGS
1.4.28OSEBERG BURIAL NOT UNIQUE
1.4.29ONLY MOST SPLENDID OF GROUP OF 9TH C BURIALS
1.4.29.1TO BE SEEN AT VIKING SHIP MUSEUM IN OSLO, NORWAY
1.4.30AS VIKINGS BECAME CHRISTIANIZED RUNIC INSCRIPTIONS MENTIONING
WOMEN & ESPECIALLY COMMISSIONED BY WOMEN RISE
1.4.31RUNIC MEMORIALS BY HUSBANDS TO THEIR WIVES ALSO RISE WITH
ADVENT OF CHRISTIANITY
1.4.32OUTSIDE FAMILY & FARM WOMEN HAD FAR FEWER OPPORTUNITIES
THAN MEN
1.4.33THEY WERE NOT INVOLVED IN FELAG AS FAR AS WE KNOW
1.4.33.1FELLOWSHIP
1.4.33.2FELAG MIGHT CONSIST OF
1.4.33.2.1JOINT OWNERS OF SHIP,
1.4.33.2.2TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
1.4.33.2.3OR BAND OF WARRIORS
1.4.33.3MEMBERS OF FELAG OWED EACH OTHER MUTUAL OBLIGATIONS
1.4.34WITH SCANDINAVIA'S CONVERSION TO CHRISTIANITY CHURCH
CONGREGATIONS REPLACED OLD FELLOWSHIPS
1.4.35& THESE SEEM TO HAVE ATTRACTED MANY WOMEN
1.4.36IN THEIR CAPACITY AS LANDOWNERS SOME WOMEN LENT THEIR NAMES
TO NEW SETTLEMENTS
1.4.37BOTH IN SCANDINAVIA & ABROAD
1.4.38ALTHOUGH MOST PLACE NAMES BASED ON MAN'S NAME
1.4.39VIKING WOMEN HAD RIGHT TO DIVORCE
1.4.40DENMARK
1.4.40.1MEN PUNISHED BY DEATH FOR ADULTERY,
1.4.40.2CAPITAL PUNISHMENT FOR RAPE OF VIRGINS
1.4.41IN PAGAN PERIOD UNWANTED CHILDREN EXPOSED
1.4.42ONCE CHRISTIANIZED BANNED IT EXCEPT IN CASE OF DEFORMED
CHILDREN
1.4.43NO RUNE STONES RAISED IN MEMORY OF CHILDREN
1.5RELIGION OF PAGAN VIKINGS
1.5.1BELIEVED IN VARIETY OF DEITIES
1.5.2MANY OF THESE GLORIFIED IN WAGNER'S OPERAS IN 19TH C.
16
1.5.3THOR - GOD OF THUNDER
1.5.3.1MOST POPULAR
1.5.3.2THURSDAY DAY SACRED TO THOR
1.5.4ODIN, CHIEF GOD
1.5.4.1PRESIDED OVER VALHALLA, WARRIORS' HEAVEN
1.5.4.2ONLY BY DEATH IN BATTLE COULD NORTHMAN ENTER
VALHALLA
1.5.4.3SEXUAL ROLES SO DEEPLY ROOTED AMONG WARRIOR
ARISTOCRACY
1.5.4.4THAT 2 SEXES HAD DIFFERENT REALMS FOR DEAD IN PAGAN
TIMES
1.5.4.5ANOTHER NAME FOR ODIN WAS WOTAN
1.5.4.5.1WEDNESDAY IS WOTAN'S DAY
1.5.5ODIN'S WIFE FRIGGA OR FRIGG
1.5.5.1FOREMOST OF GODDESSES
1.5.5.2HER ROLE IN MYTHOLOGICAL NARRATIVES TRAGIC MOTHER
1.5.5.3WHEN HER SON BALDR DREAMS HE WILL DIE, SHE TRAVELS
EARTH GETTING PROMISES THAT BALDR WILL NOT BE HARMED
BY FIRE, WATER, ETC.
1.5.5.4HOWEVER SHE OMITS MISTLETOE, THINKING IT TOO YOUNG TO
MAKE SUCH PROMISE
1.5.5.5BALDR'S BROTHER IS TRICKED INTO THROWING SOME MISTLETOE
AT HIM & HE DIES INSTANTLY
1.5.5.6BALDR'S DEATH IS BEGINNING OF END OF WORLD
1.5.6FREYJA OR FREYA
1.5.6.1MOST COLORFUL GODDESS
1.5.6.2GODDESS OF LOVE
1.5.6.2.1EQUIVALENT OF VENUS OR APHRODITE
1.5.6.3HER BEAUTY & DESIRABILITY ARE CAUSE OF TROUBLE FOR
OTHER GODS
1.5.6.4SHE LIVES IN LARGE & BEAUTIFUL HALL & DRIVES AROUND IN
CHARIOT DRAWN BY 2 CATS
1.5.6.5FRIDAY IS NAME AFTER HER
1.5.7GODS ENGAGED IN CONSTANT BATTLE WITH GIANTS
1.5.7.1GERDR, WIFE OF FREYR & SISTER-IN-LAW OF FREYJA ORIGINALLY
GIANTESS
1.5.7.1.1MOST BEAUTIFUL OF ALL WOMEN
1.5.8SIF,
1.5.8.1WIFE OF THOR
1.5.8.2MOST DECORATIVE GODDESS
1.5.8.3GOLD IS CALLED SIF'S HAIR
1.5.8.4MISCHIEVOUS GOD HAD ONCE CUT OFF ALL SIF'S HAIR
1.5.8.5& THOR THREATENED TO BREAK EVERY BONE I HIS BODY UNLESS
HE GOT DWARFS TO MAKE SIF SOME HAIR OUT OF GOLD THAT
WOULD GROW LIKE ANY OTHER HAIR
1.5.9OTHER FEMALE ENTITIES IN MYTHOLOGY
1.5.9.1VALKYRIES
1.5.9.1.1FEMALE FIGURES WHOSE JOB IS TO SERVE IN VALHALLA
BRINGING DRINK, ETC.
1.5.9.1.2ODIN SENDS THEM TO EVERY BATTLE,
1.5.9.1.3& THEY CHOOSE WHO IS TO DIE & WHO IS TO WIN
17
1.5.9.1.4THESE HANDMAIDENS OF ODIN WELCOMING DEAD HERO
WITH DRINKING HORN WELL REPRESENTED IN VIKING ART
1.6VIKING ATTACKS ON ENGLAND & CONTINENT
1.6.1789 IN THIS YEAR KING BEORHTRIC TOOK TO WIFE EADBURH, DAUGHTER
OF KING OFFA. AND IN HIS DAYS THERE CAME FOR THE FIRST TIME 3
SHIPS OF NORTHMEN FROM HORTHALAND: AND THE REEVE RODE
THITHER AND TRIED TO COMPEL THEM TO GO TO THE ROYAL MANOR FOR HE DID NOT KNOW WHAT THEY WERE - AND THEY SLEW HIM.
THESE WERE THE FIRST SHIPS TO COME TO ENGLAND
1.6.2THUS ANGLO-SAXON CHRONICLE REPORTS FIRST RAID & FIRST VICTIM OF
VIKINGS
1.6.34 YEARS LATER IN AD 793 FOLLOWED MUCH MORE FAMOUS RAID ON
ISLAND MONASTERY AT LINDISFARNE:
1.6.3.1THE HARRYING OF THE HEATHEN MISERABLY DESTROYED GOD;S
CHURCH IN LINDISFARNE BY RAPINE & SLAUGHTER...BEHOLD THE
CHURCH OF ST. CUTHBERT, SPATTERED WITH THE BLOOD OF THE
PRIESTS OF GOD, DESPOILED OF ALL ITS ORNAMENTS; A PLACE
MORE VENERABLE THAN ANY OTHER IN BRITAIN HAS FALLEN
PREY TO PAGANS
1.6.4WHY DID THEY COME?
1.6.4.1REASONS OFFERED BY SCHOLARS ARE MANY & VARIED
1.6.4.2OVERPOPULATION AT HOME IS USUALLY CITED AS PRIME FACTOR
1.6.4.3NORWAY & ESPECIALLY DENMARK POPULATION EXPLOSION 78TH CENTURIES
1.6.4.4LOOT, PILLAGE, ADVENTURE
1.6.4.5GRADUAL ESTABLISHMENT OF FIRM GOVERNMENTS
THROUGHOUT MUCH OF WESTERN EUROPE,
1.6.4.6ESPECIALLY WITH CAROLINGIAN EMPIRE UNDER CHARLEMAGNE
1.6.4.7RESULTED IN CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN EUROPEAN
MERCANTILE TRADE
1.6.4.8WHICH LED TO INCREASED PIRACY OPPORTUNITIES
1.6.4.9ALSO EVOLUTION OF SHIPBUILDING ART IN COURSE 8TH C.
1.6.4.10NOT ONLY FAMOUS LONGSHIPS
1.6.4.11BUT LESS WELL-KNOWN KNORRS OR MERCHANT VESSELS
1.6.4.12SO VIKINGS COULD RAID AND THEN COLONIZE LANDS
1.6.4.13VERY TOOLS OF VIKING EXPANSION
1.7REPERCUSSIONS OF VIKING ATTACKS ON NUNNERIES
1.7.1GREATEST EXTERNAL THREAT TO MONASTIC SECURITY & LONGEVITY
DURING 8TH THROUGH 11TH C.
1.7.2CAME FROM INVASIONS OF VIKINGS, SARACENS & HUNGARIANS
1.7.3CONTEMPORARY ACCOUNTS MAY HAVE EXAGGERATED DAMAGES
1.7.4IN REALITY GREAT NUMBER OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES FELL VICTIM TO
INVADERS
1.7.5IN ENGLAND ALONE AT LEAST 41 HOUSES FOR WOMEN DESTROYED BY
DANES
1.7.6VERY FEW OF ENGLISH WOMEN'S COMMUNITIES SURVIVED REPEATED
ONSLAUGHT BY VIKINGS
1.7.7BARKING ABBEY DESTROYED BY DANES IN 870
1.7.7.1ALL NUNS OF COMMUNITY BURNED ALIVE INSIDE MONASTERY
1.7.8SAY YEAR MONASTERY OF ELY & HIS NUNS KILLED BY DANES
1.7.9NUNS OF WHITBY FLED BUT AT LAST PLACE OF REFUGE ALL MASSACRED
18
1.7.10YOUR TEXT TALKS ABOUT NUNS AT COLDINHAM WHO ATTEMPTED TO
PROTECT THEMSELVES BY MUTILATING THEMSELVES
1.7.10.1CUTTING OFF THEIR NOSES & LIPS
1.7.10.2TO DISCOURAGE RAPE
1.7.10.3BUT BURNED ALIVE ANYWAY
1.7.11AS SO MANY ESTABLISHMENTS NEAR SEA
1.7.11.1RAPE & MURDER TOOK THEIR TOLL
1.7.12BY TIME OF NORMAN CONQUEST ONLY 9 HOUSES OUT OF 76 HOUSES
REMAINED
1.8WOMEN SLAVES IN VIKING SOCIETY
1.8.1CERTAIN CRIMES PUNISHABLE BY SLAVERY
1.8.2PURPOSE OF MANY VIKING EXPEDITIONS TO CAPTURE SLAVES
1.8.2.1WOMAN LARGE NUMBER OF THESE CAPTIVES THAT BECAME
SLAVES
1.8.2.2WARRIORS MIGHT KEEP THEM
1.8.2.3SELL THEM
1.8.2.4OR EXCHANGE THEM FOR RANSOM FROM CHRISTIAN CHURCH OR
RICH RELATIVES
1.8.2.5RANSOMING OF CHRISTIAN CAPTIVES ACT OF PIETY FREQUENTLY
MENTIONED IN ACCOUNTS OF CONVERSION OF SCANDINAVIA
1.8.2.6VIKINGS' SUPERB SHIPS MADE IT EASY TO ADDUCT SLAVES FROM
FOREIGN LANDS
1.8.2.7MONASTERY ON RHINE 837 REPORTS
1.8.2.7.1IMMENSE WHIRLWINDS FREQUENTLY ERUPTED AND
COMET HAS BEEN SEEN...PAGANS LAID WASTE...AND
ABDUCTED MANY CAPTIVE WOMEN
1.8.3PEOPLE PROBABLY 1 OF VIKINGS' MOST NB TRADING COMMODITIES
1.8.4SOMETIMES SLAVE ACCOMPANIED THEIR MASTER IN DEATH
1.8.5SEVERAL DOUBLE BURIALS KNOWN
1.8.5.1GRAVE CONTAINS FURNISHINGS FOR 1 PERSON
1.8.5.2OTHER PERSON HAS SUFFERED VIOLENT DEATH
1.8.6WOMAN COULD BE BURIED WITH MALE SLAVE
1.8.7MAN WITH FEMALE SLAVE
1.8.8ORIBN FADHLAN DESCRIBED SUCH BURIALS ON VOLGA
1.9VIKING WOMEN ABROAD
1.9.1IN 9TH & 10TH CENTURIES LARGE NUMBERS OF WOMEN INVOLVED IN
VIKING SETTLEMENTS
1.9.1.1OF UNINHABITED OR RELATIVELY SPARSELY INHABITED AREAS
1.9.1.1.1SCOTLAND
1.9.1.1.2ICELAND
1.9.1.1.3GREENLAND
1.9.2WOMEN ALSO INVOLVED IN VOYAGES OF EXPLORATION TO NORTH
AMERICA
1.9.2.1ERIC THE RED
1.9.2.2SO ERICA THE PINK
1.9.3ALTHOUGH MOST WOMEN TRAVELLED AS MEMBERS OF HOUSEHOLD
1.9.4SOME EVIDENCE WOMEN PLAYED PIONEER ROLE
1.9.4.1BY ORGANIZING TRANSPORT OF FAMILY & FOLLOWERS
1.9.4.2DECISION MAKING ONCE ARRIVED
1.9.5WOMEN ALSO ACCOMPANIED MEN ON TRADING & RAIDING VOYAGES TO
MORE DENSELY POPULATED AREAS OF EUROPE
19
1.9.6DISAGREEMENT WHETHER WOMEN ACTED AS TRADERS OR NOT
1.9.7BUT THEY PROBABLY DID
1.9.8FOR VIKING AGE COINCIDED WITH DEVELOPMENT & EXPANSION OF
MARKETS & TOWNS THROUGHOUT EUROPE
1.9.9CLEAREST PICTURE WE HAVE OF VIKINGS IS IN ENGLAND
1.9.10WHERE VIKINGS HAD TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON ANGLO-SAXON
ENGLAND
1.9.11CONTEMPORARY SOURCES TELL US THAT WOMEN BELONGED TO GREAT
ARMY THAT INVADED ENGLAND AROUND 890 INCLUDED WIVES
1.9.12BUT THEY ATTEMPTED TO PLACED THEM IN A SAFE POSITION BEFORE
BATTLE
1.9.13& ALSO HAVING RAPED & PILLAGED FOR YEARS,
1.9.14PROBABLY MORE OF A SETTLEMENT ADVENTURE THAN ANYTHING ELSE
1.9.15IN ENGLAND VIKING TOWNS SUCH AS YORK OR YORVIK & LINCOLN
1.9.15.1BOTH YORK & LINCOLN HAD URBAN ROOTS GOING BACK TO
ROMAN PERIOD
1.9.15.2BUT REVITALIZED AT TIME OF SCANDINAVIAN SETTLEMENT OF
ENGLAND
1.9.16VIKING WOMEN NB TO SETTLEMENT IN IRELAND & NORMANDY
1.9.16.1DUBLIN, NEW TOWN OF VIKING ORIGINS
1.9.17& WOMEN ACCOMPANIED RUS TRADERS GOING DOWN THROUGH RUSSIA
INTO CONSTANTINOPLE
I.INTRODUCTION TO ANGLO-SAXONS IN ENGLAND
A.GENERAL REMARKS
1.500-1066 ANGL0-SAXON PERIOD OF ENGLISH HISTORY
2.BEGINNINGS ARE OBSCURE
3.INVASIONS OF ANGLES, SAXONS, JUTES, ETC. GRADUAL PROCESS
4.AFTER INITIAL ROVING ATTACKS
5.ONCE ANGLO-SAXONS SETTLE IN
6.BRITAIN BECOMES KNOWN AS ANGLE LAND = ENGLAND
7.BY 7TH C. VARIOUS KINGDOMS ARISE
8.KNOWN AS HEPTARCHY - AS 7 KINGDOMS
a.SAXON KINGDOMS OF
(1)WESSEX= WEST SAXONS
(2)SUSSEX = SOUTH SAXONS
(3)ESSEX = EAST SAXONS
b.ANGLO KINGDOMS OF
(1)EAST ANGLIA = EAST ANGLES
(a)NORTH FOLK, SOUTH FOLK, = NORFOLK, SUFFOLK
c.MERCIA
d.NORTHUMBRIA = NORTH OF HUMBER RIVER
e.JUTE KINGDOM OF KENT
9.3 MAJOR KINGDOMS TOOK TURNS BEING SUPREME
a.NORTHUMBRIA 7TH C.
b.MERCIA 8TH C.
c.WESSEX 9-10TH C.
B.MERCIA
1.MOST FAMOUS KING OFFA 757-96
a.SUCCESSOR TO KING PENDA - SOURCE OF PENNY
b.CAME NEAR TO UNITING ALL ENGLAND UNDER HIS OWN RULE
c.CONTEMPORARY OF CHARLEMAGNE
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d.OFFA'S DIKE
e.CYNETHRYTH
(1)WIFE OF OFFA
(2)STANDS OUT AS INDIVIDUAL IN HER OWN RIGHT
(3)BUT ALSO HAS REPUTATION AS BEING TYRANT
(4)DETAILS OF HER TYRANNY HAVE VANISHED
(a)BUT SHE IS KNOWN TODAY BECAUSE COINS STRUCK IN
HER NAME & WITH HER PORTRAIT
(b)EARLIEST PORTRAIT OF ENGLISH WOMAN BY MANY
CENTURIES
(c)NO QUEEN CONSORT IN LATER CENTURIES EVER
ALLOWED TO ISSUE COINS IN HER OWN NAME
(d)ONLY KING WHO WILL RECOGNIZE HIS CONSORT'S
EXISTENCE ON HIS OWN COINS HENRY VIII
(e)WITH WIVES KATHERINE OF ARAGON, ANNE BOLEYN &
JANE SEYMOUR
f.REPUTATION FOR TYRANNY FAR WORSE THAN CYNETHRYTH
(1)HER DAUGHTER EADBURG
(2)WIFE OF BEORHTRIC, KING OF WESSEX
(3)ACCORDING TO ASSER, CONTEMPORARY BIOGRAPHER OF KING
ALFRED
(4)SHE BEHAVED IN ODIOUS MANNER TO GOD & MAN
(5)IF SHE COULD NOT REMOVE HER ENEMIES FROM POWER BY
ACCUSING THEM TO KING, SHE POISONED THEM
(6)IN END POISON SHE PREPARED FOR YOUNG MAN DRUNK IN
ERROR BY KING
(7)AS SHE COULD NOT REMAIN IN WESSEX AFTER HER HUSBAND'S
DEATH SHE WENT OVERSEAS WITH VAST TREASURE TO
COURT OF CHARLEMAGNE
2.ASSER TELLS THIS STORY IN ORDER TO EXPLAIN WHAT HE CALLS PERVERSE
WEST SAXON CUSTOM
a.WHICH DENIED TITLE OF QUEEN TO KING'S WIFE
b.CUSTOM HE SAYS AROSE BECAUSE OF EADBURG'S EVIL CONDUCT
c.STORY OBVIOUSLY COLORED BY WEST SAXON HATRED OF MERCIAN
PRINCESS
d.BUT NOT ONLY REASON
3.NOT UNTIL LATE 10TH C. THAT WIVES OF KINGS OF WESSEX BY THAT TIME
KINGS OF ENGLAND
a.ONCE MORE RECEIVED QUEEN TITLE
4.UNTIL THEN KING'S WIFE KNOW AS LADY
5.HIS MOTHER KNOWN AS OLD LADY
C.WESSEX
1.ALFRED THE GREAT 871-99
a.MOST FAMOUS WESSEX KINGS
b.SUBDUER OF VIKINGS
c.CHURCHILL OF ANGLO-SAXON ENGLAND
d.UNIFIED ENGLISH PEOPLES
e.BEGAN RECONQUEST OF DANELAW
(1)AREA OF VIKING SETTLEMENT
f.ALFRED & HIS DESCENDANTS CREATED WITH BEGINNINGS OF ENGLISH
MONARCHY
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(1)THAT CONTINUES TODAY
g.ONLY ENGLISH KING TO HAVE TITLE GREAT
2.AETHELFLAED
a.AS ELDEST CHILD OF ALFRED THE GREAT
b.MARRIED TO AETHELRED
(1)RULER OF MERCIA
c.AFTER HER HUSBAND'S DEATH IN 911
d.AETHELFLAED HELD DOMINION WITH LAWFUL AUTHORITY FOR 7 YRS
e.& THEN KNOWN AS LADY OF THE MERCIANS
f.& SHE PROBABLY WAS EFFECTIVE RULER SOME TIME EARLIER
g.SINCE HER HUSBAND WAS SICK & INCAPACITATE FOR SOME YEARS
h.AETHELFLAED VIGOROUS & EFFICIENT IN RESISTING VIKING
AGGRESSION
i.& FOR TIME SEPARATE ANGLO-SAXON CHRONICLE RECORDS EVENTS
OF HER DOING
j.COOPERATING WITH HER BROTHER
(1)EDWARD THE ELDER, KING OF WESSEX
k.IT WAS USE WHICH SHE MADE OF MILITARY FORCES OF WESTERN
MIDLANDS
l.WHICH ENABLED HER BROTHER TO ENFORCE HIS AUTHORITY UPON
ALL VIKING ARMIES IN ENGLAND SOUTH OF HUMBER
m.AMONG FEW ENGLISH WOMEN WHO IN ANY PERIOD HAVE
PERMANENTLY INFLUENCED COURSE OF HISTORY
n.HER METHOD WAS TO PROTECT HER OWN COUNTRY BY FORTIFYING
STRATEGIC POINTS
o.& THEN TO ASSAULT NEAREST FORTRESSES IN ENEMY HANDS
p.FOR TIME EVEN PEOPLE OF YORK RECOGNIZED HER AUTHORITY
q.SHE CONCLUDED ANTI-NORWEGIAN ALLIANCES WITH
(1)BRITONS, PICTS & SCOTS
r.LATER SOURCES DESCRIBE HER AS DIRECTING BATTLE AGAINST
SCANDINAVIAN RAGNALD
s.SHE SENT PUNITIVE ARMY INTO WALES TO AVENGE KILLING OF
ABBOT ECGBERT & HIS COMRADES
t.SHE RENOWNED BEYOND ENGLAND FOR ULSTER ANNALS CALLED HER
(1)VERY FAMOUS QUEEN OF SAXONS
D.ENGLISH DANELAW
1.CENTURY LATER CONQUEST OF ENGLAND & NORWAY BY CNUT OF
DENMARK
2.CNUT'S IRREGULAR WIFE ANOTHER REMARKABLE WOMAN
a.AELFGIFU
b.DAUGHTER OF NOBLEMAN FROM NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
c.EVEN THOUGH CNUT MARRIED TO DUKE OF NORMANDY'S SISTER
d.AELFGIFU BORE CNUT TWO SONS
(1)ELDER CNUT MADE KING OF NORWAY
(2)UNDER AELFGIFU
(3)SHE GOVERNED NORWAY WITH SUCH SEVERITY THAT YEARS
OF HER RULE ENDED BY REVOLT
e.AFTER DEATH OF CNUT AELFGIFU RETURNED TO ENGLAND
f.PREVAILED UPON LEADING NOBLEMEN OF COUNTRY TO RECOGNIZE
HER 2ND SON, HAROLD AS KING
E.CONCLUDING REMARKS ON POWER OF ARISTOCRATIC & ROYAL WOMEN
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1.ONE OF PERIPHRASES FOR "WOMAN" IN OLD ENGLISH IS FREOTHUWEBBE =
WEAVER OF PEACE
2.DAUGHTERS OF ROYAL HOUSE USED TO HEAL ENMITY BETWEEN PEOPLES
a.OR TO CEMENT FRIENDSHIP
3.BEDE SHOWS US ONE SUCH WOMAN IN ACTION
4.AETHELBURH,
a.DAUGHTER OF CHRISTIAN KING AETHELBERHT OF KENT
b.MARRIED TO PAGAN EDWIN OF NORTHUMBRIA
c.POPE WROTE TO HER ENCLOSING SILVER MIRROR & IVORY & GOLD
COMB ASKING HER TO USE HER INFLUENCE TO BRING HER
HUSBAND INTO CHURCH
d.HE WAS CONVERTED BUT WE DON'T KNOW IF SHE DID SO OR NOT
e.BUT FACT THAT POPE SENT HER GIFTS INDICATES POWER WIVES
WERE THOUGHT TO HAVE WITH THEIR HUSBANDS
F.ANGLO-SAXON WOMEN AS LAND OWNERS
1.ANGLO-SAXON WOMEN SOMETIMES CONSIDERABLE LANDOWNERS
2.SOME SUGGESTION PLACE-NAMES TAKEN FROM WOMEN AS OWNERS OF
LAND
a.ADDERBURY, OXFORDSHIRE
(1)EADBURG'S MANOR
b.WOLVERHAMPTON
(1)WULFRUN'S CHIEF ESTATE
(a)WEALTHY STAFFORDSHIRE LADY
c.WISSINGTON, SUFFOLK
(1)WIGSWITH'S FARMSTEAD
d.ABRAM, LANCASTERSHIRE
(1)EADBURG'S FARM
3.OR INFAMOUS LADY GODIVA
a.EARLY OF MERCIA, LEOFRIC
(1)HIS WIFE GODGIFU
(2)HER NAME IS RESPONSIBLE FOR GROTESQUE INVENTION OF
LADY GODIVA'S RIDE THROUGH COVENTRY
4.WOMEN COULD WILL THEIR LAND TO WHOMEVER
5.& OMIT THEIR SON AS HEIR
G.RUNNING HOUSEHOLD
1.MANY WOMEN RESPONSIBLE FOR RUNNING LARGE ESTATES
2.THIS WOULD INVOLVE DIRECTING SERVANTS
3.PREPARING STOCKS OF FOOD
4.SUPERVISING WORK OF HOME
a.BAKING
b.BREWING
c.PRESERVING
d.SPINNING
e.WEAVING
5.OF WORK DONE BY ANGLO-SAXON WOMEN LITTLE OF ARTISTIC NB
SURVIVES
6.CLEARLY ANGLO-SAXON WOMEN OFTEN TOOK TO HEART PROVERB
a.WOMAN'S PLACE IS AT HER EMBROIDERY
H.MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION ON ANGLO-SAXON WOMEN
1.HYGEBURG
a.ENGLISH NUN FROM HEIDENHEIM NUNNERY
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b.HER WORK HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS EARLIEST EXTANT BOOK OF
TRAVEL WRITTEN BY ENGLISH PERSON
c.ALSO FIRST BOOK WRITTEN BY ENGLISH WOMAN
2.DESPITE DANGERS & DIFFICULTIES OF TRAVEL MANY ENGLISH WOMEN
DESIRED TO MAKE PILGRIMAGES
a.TO ROME IN 8TH C.
3.CHURCHMAN DID NOT LIKE IDEA OF WOMEN GOING ON PILGRIMAGES
4.BONIFACE, GREAT CONVERTER OF PAGAN GERMANS
5.EVEN WROTE LETTER TO ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY TO FORBID WOMEN
TO UNDERTAKE PILGRIMAGES
a.BONIFACE SAID
b.THERE WERE VERY FEW CITIES ON ROAD TO ROME IN WHICH THERE IS
NOT AN ADULTERESS OR HARLOT OF ENGLISH RACE; WHICH IS A
SCANDAL & SHAME TO YOUR WHOLE CHURCH
6.NOTHING STOPPED WOMEN & WOMEN GOING ON PILGRIMAGES UP TO END
OF ANGLO-SAXON PERIOD
7.TO SAFEGUARD NUNS GOING ON PILGRIMAGE LAWS OF KING ALFRED MADE
ATTACK ON CHASTITY OF NUN PUNISHED BY 3 TIMES AMOUNT ATTACK
ON LAY WOMAN
8.CONCLUSION THAT ANGLO-SAXON ENGLAND MEN & WOMEN LIVED ON
TERMS OF ROUGH EQUALITY WITH EACH OTHER