Autumn 2009     Call Number: 28164     Credit/Hours:U&G 5
Instructor: Hanawalt      Location: DU 0344
Days: Tuesday
Start Time: 1:30pm     Length: 2 Hiours

Course Description:

The course will examine one of the major, but overlooked aspects of medieval power. The entries and civic ceremonial went beyond shows and entertainment and were instead full of the symbols of dominance that went with the kings and civic officials. Coronations, marriages, birth of a first son, major victories were all celebrated with elaborate ceremonies that reminded citizens of the legitimacy of their monarchs and their power over enemies. A royal entrance was also a way to underscore the victory of a king or noble over rebellious cities. For civic officials, the ceremonies either marked a new election of the assertion of supremacy over potentially rebellious citizens. All the ceremonies harkened back to the powerful symbols of “time immemorial” to add legitimacy.