Early Medieval Terminology of Authority and Power (Powerlessness) and Related Problems

Abstract

Rad iznosi tumačenja ranogermanskih i slavenskih naziva za društvene kategorije i uloge u ranom srednjem vijeku. Nakon osvrta na "izgled" evropske sredine u toj epohi, autor pokušava iznijeti izvorni smisao vladarskih i plemićkih naslova (ili kategorija), odnosno nazivlja "vlasti i moći", i oznake za niže društvene slojeve uključivši robove (skupinu "nemoćnih\u27\u27). S pomoću tih primjera želi se ukazati na neke aspekte strukture evropskog društva u ranom srednjem vijeku. Temeljna je nakana rada ponuditi građu za cjelovitija povijesno-sociološka istraživanja.The paper presents early Germanic and Slavic terms relating to social categories and roles in the early Medieval period. Following a general comment on the "appearance" of the European milieu in this epoch, an attempt is maid to explain the original meaning of rulers\u27 and nobles’ titles (and categories), namely terms of "authority and power", as well as of the terminology in regard to the lower strata, including slaves (i.e. the "powerless"). With the help of these examples, the author wishes to indicate some general aspects of the structure of European society in the Early Middle Ages. The prime purpose of the paper is to offer material for more complete research in the field of historical sociology