The Lords of Battle Image and Reality of the Comitatus in Dark-Age Britain - Softcover

Evans, Stephen S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0851156622 ISBN 13: 9780851156620

Publisher: Boydell Press, 2000

Synopsis

The Lords of Battle examines the image of the comitatus, or warband, as it is portrayed in literary and historical sources from Britain's early medieval period, attempting to determine the extent to which it reflects an historical reality. Through an extensive use of a variety of source material, literary, historical, and archaeological, the book investigates both the structure of the warband, and the practices and institutions which supported it.
After a review of the historical background of Dark Age Britain, Stephen Evans explores the practical characteristics of the comitatus: its military organisation; its internal social structure and its place within society as a whole; and the lord-retainer relationship, its duties and obligations. He also examines the cultural, social, and economic institutions which produced and supported the warband. Overall, the study provides a number of insights into the ideals and practices of Britain's Celtic and Anglo-Saxon warrior-élites during a turbulent period.

Dr STEPHEN EVANS gained his PhD from Temple University.

About this title

From the Back Cover

The Lords of Battle examines the image of the comitatus, or warband, as it is portrayed in literary and historical sources from Britain's early medieval period; in so doing, it attempts to determine the extent to which this image reflects an historical reality. Through an extensive use of a variety of source material, literary, historical, and archaeological, the book investigates both the structure of the warband, and the practices and institutions which supported it. After a review of the historical background of Dark Age Britain, Stephen Evans explores the practical characteristics of the comitatus, such as its military organisation; its internal social structure and its place within society as a whole; and the lord-retainer relationship, its duties and obligations. He also examines the cultural, social, and economic institutions which produced and supported the warband, including the role of the court poets; the importance of the hall; hostage-taking and fosterage; and food-renders, tribute, and booty. Overall, the study provides a number of insights into the ideals and practices of Britain's Celtic and Anglo-Saxon warrior-elites during a turbulent period.

Edition details

• Publisher: Boydell Press
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0851156622
• ISBN 13: 9780851156620
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 180