The history of royalty in Europe, especially in England during the Middle Ages, is marked by a continuing struggle between the nobility and the monarchy. When the monarchy was strong, the nobility remained relatively docile, especially if its interests were being served. However, when the nobility felt its interests were not being considered, a...
Medieval society has been described as the age of chivalry and romance, filled with images of knights in shining armor and damsels in distress. However, once a lady is put on a pedestal; she is no longer a human being, but an object of perfection. This makes it easier for her to be replaced by a higher ideal – the perfect woman – the Virgin...
The Congress of Vienna, which took place in 1814-15, brought together personalities that dominated their era. The challenge seemed almost impossible: to redraw the lines of Europe after Napoleon’s defeat, replacing the revolutionary governments with ‘legitimate’ systems. Legitimacy, as defined by Kissinger, should not be confused with justice;...
