The De Rancon Dynasty (Paperback)

Beskrivelser af The De Rancon Dynasty

Forlagets beskrivelse

black & white illustrations

Bibliotekernes beskrivelse

The de Rancons were a powerful family of the early middle ages in the Saintonge region of France. They were courted by the great of their time: Henry 11, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard Coeur de Lion, king John and Henry111 as well as Philip Augustus and Louis 1X kings of France and the Lusignans of Chatellraut. They were both enemies and vassals of these great historical figures. The de Rancons exercised great power and authority in this corner of France being sometime Seneschals of Poitou, known as princes of Marcillac and controlling the impressive and impregnable castle at Taillebourg amongst others. The de Rancons witnessed the first and second Crusades, played a major part in the first Hundred Years War and navigated successfully the complex feudal system of social and military obligations for almost 300 years. As with other more famous dynasties political and strategic marriage was an element of dynastic continuity; this has given the de Rancons genealogical links to the royal families of Europe. This is the first study of their lives and times.