The Arlesian Realm
Unveiling the history, governance, and territorial evolution of a pivotal medieval kingdom.
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Overview
A Realm of Burgundy
The Kingdom of Burgundy, more commonly known as the Kingdom of Arles (Regnum Burgundiae / Regnum Arelatense), emerged in 933 through the unification of Lower Burgundy and Upper Burgundy. Initially an independent kingdom ruled by the Elder House of Welf, it was integrated into the Holy Roman Empire in 1032. It subsequently became one of the Empire's three constituent realms, alongside the Kingdom of Germany and the Kingdom of Italy.
Vast Territorial Scope
The kingdom's territory was extensive, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea in the south to the High Rhine in the north, and from the Western Alps in the east to the Rhone basin in the west. This encompassed nearly all the historical Burgundian lands, roughly corresponding to modern-day French regions of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Rhône-Alpes, Franche-Comté, and western Switzerland.
Evolution and Decline
By the 13th century, the kingdom experienced significant feudal fragmentation. Imperial authority became increasingly nominal throughout the 14th century and further weakened in the 15th century. Despite its eventual dissolution as a distinct political entity, the title "King of Arles" persisted as a subsidiary title for Holy Roman Emperors until the Empire's dissolution in 1806.
Formation and Early Kingdoms
Post-Carolingian Divisions
Following the fragmentation of the Carolingian Empire, particularly after the Treaty of Verdun (843), the Burgundian lands were divided. Middle Francia, allotted to Lothair I, included much of the territory that would form the later Kingdom of Arles. However, internal divisions and external pressures, including raids by Magyar and Arab forces, led to the emergence of distinct Burgundian polities.
Unification of Burgundy
In 888, Rudolph I established the Kingdom of Upper Burgundy. Concurrently, Boso of Provence was proclaimed King of Lower Burgundy in 879. In 933, Hugh of Italy ceded Lower Burgundy to Rudolph II of Upper Burgundy. Rudolph merged these territories, creating a unified Kingdom of Burgundy, which stretched from the Jura mountains to the Mediterranean coast.
Welfish Rule and Succession
The unified kingdom was initially ruled by the Elder House of Welf. Rudolph II was succeeded by his son, Conrad the Peaceful, and then by his grandson, Rudolph III. Lacking heirs, Rudolph III was compelled by Emperor Henry II to sign a succession treaty in 1006, designating Henry as his heir. Despite Rudolph's later attempts to renounce this, the kingdom eventually passed to Conrad II in 1032.
Integration into the Empire
Becoming an Imperial Realm
Upon Rudolph III's death in 1032, the Kingdom of Burgundy was formally incorporated into the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Conrad II. While part of the Empire, the kingdom's territories maintained considerable autonomy. Emperors like Henry IV and Frederick Barbarossa sought to exert influence, with Barbarossa even being crowned King of Burgundy in Arles in 1178.
Imperial Administration
Imperial representatives, such as the Dukes of Zähringen holding the title of "Rector of Burgundy," were appointed to manage the kingdom's affairs. Emperor Frederick II attempted to solidify imperial control by conferring titles upon his son, Henry. However, these efforts were often challenged by the growing power of regional magnates and the increasing influence of the French crown.
Imperial Vicars and Titles
Throughout the later medieval period, emperors appointed Imperial Vicars to govern parts of the kingdom, such as Amadeus VI of Savoy. Emperor Charles IV himself was crowned King of Arles in 1365, attempting to reaffirm imperial sovereignty. Later, in 1378, he granted the title of Imperial Vicar to the Dauphin of Viennois, Charles (future Charles VI of France), for his lifetime, reflecting the shifting power dynamics.
Feudal Fragmentation
Erosion of Central Authority
From the 13th century onwards, the Kingdom of Arles experienced profound feudal fragmentation. Powerful regional entities, such as the County of Savoy and the County of Provence, grew in influence, often acting independently of imperial authority. This decentralization weakened the kingdom as a cohesive unit.
French Expansion
The Kingdom of France gradually expanded its influence over the northern and southern parts of the Arlesian realm. The Vivarais and Lyonnais regions were progressively annexed into the French kingdom during the 13th and early 14th centuries. The Dauphiné, an imperial fief within Arles, came under effective control of the French House of Valois from the mid-14th century.
Shifting Alliances
Imperial attempts to counter French influence, such as Emperor Charles IV's appointment of Imperial Vicars, often proved temporary. The complex web of feudal loyalties and dynastic ambitions meant that while the imperial title persisted, the practical governance of the territories increasingly fell under the sway of powerful regional rulers and the French crown.
French and Imperial Influence
Valois Ascendancy
The French House of Valois significantly increased its influence by acquiring feudal possessions in Dauphiné. The sale of Dauphiné by Humbert II to the young French prince Charles in 1349 marked a crucial step, establishing a distinct but French-controlled polity. This move, alongside the acquisition of Provence by Charles I of Anjou, consolidated French interests within the former kingdom.
Imperial Reassertions and Conflicts
Despite French gains, imperial claims persisted. Emperor Charles V's visit in 1365 and his coronation in Arles underscored this. Later, Emperor Charles V personally led an invasion of Provence in 1536, asserting his rights to the Kingdom of Arles, though these territorial claims were ultimately unsuccessful and abandoned in subsequent treaties.
Dynastic Ambitions
Dynastic alliances and proposed exchanges, such as Emperor Joseph II's offer of the title "King of Burgundy" to Charles Theodore in 1784, highlight the lingering symbolic importance of the old kingdom. Although these plans failed, they reflect the enduring legacy and perceived prestige associated with the Burgundian crown.
Enduring Legacy
Territorial Dissolution
By the 16th century, the practical dissolution of the Kingdom of Arles was largely complete. While the Free County of Burgundy was formally reattached to the Empire via the House of Habsburg, Dauphiné and Provence were firmly under French control. The creation of the Burgundian Circle in 1512, encompassing Habsburg Netherlands and the Free County of Burgundy, further illustrates the shifting geopolitical landscape.
Imperial Title Persistence
The title "King of Arles" remained an official subsidiary title of the Holy Roman Emperors until the Empire's dissolution in 1806. The Archbishop of Trier continued to serve as the Imperial Archchancellor of Burgundy/Arles, a role codified by the Golden Bull of 1356, underscoring the formal, albeit symbolic, continuity of the imperial connection.
Modern Territories
The historical territories of the Kingdom of Arles today are primarily located within modern-day France, Italy, and Switzerland. Its complex history reflects the intricate interplay of feudalism, imperial authority, and the rise of territorial principalities during the High and Late Middle Ages.
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References
References
- Fantysová-MatÄjková 2012, p. 229.
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Scholarly Context
This document has been generated by an AI, drawing exclusively from the provided source material. It is intended for academic and educational purposes, aiming to present historical information with clarity and depth suitable for advanced study.
Historical Interpretation Advisory: While striving for accuracy based on the source, this content does not constitute definitive historical analysis or professional consultation. Historical narratives can be complex and subject to ongoing scholarly debate. Always consult primary sources and peer-reviewed academic literature for comprehensive understanding.
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