Les hommes du pouvoir: L'entourage des comtes de Vermandois au XIIe siècle

The entourage of the counts of Vermandois in the twelfth century reflects the breadth and intensity of comital power, the inevitable involvement of the regional élites in comital decision-making notwithstanding. Through the study of the witness lists in comital charters, some light can be shed on the Vermandois court, using both quantitative and qualitative data. The entourage of the counts of Vermandois can be organized in three concentric circles, which sometimes blend together, determined by the number of appearances a witness makes in the comital acts. The first circle is characterized by the loyalty of individuals of diverse social origins, for whom the court serves as a means of social climbing. It is also characterized by the absence of leading ecclesiastical dignitaries, notable courtiers, and important local nobles, with the exception of the lords of Nesle. The second circle is comprised of powerful local interlocutors and comital seneschals and castellans who are witnesses to territorial division and a characteristic administrative policy. In the final circle, some great vassals from the comital household, still bound by the consilium, are notable in their absence.