Prior to the development of hereditary monarchy, who had to approve the selection of kings?

Question

Prior to the development of hereditary monarchy, who had to approve the selection of kings before their coronation?

"A World Lit Only By Fire" is what I'm reading.

I am working on AP Euro Summer Homework and I got stuck on this question. If anyone can help that would be great. THANKS!

Answer 1

Well, hereditary monarchy existed in many places since the beginning of time. But since you are reading "A World Lit Only by Fire," I assume you mean before the development of hereditary monarchy in the kingdoms of Medieval Europe.

A lot of times, in the early Dark Ages, leaders came to power because they were the strongest, they had warbands of enough troops to support their claims (i.e. Clovis of the Franks). So they seized power. In many such cases, their power allowed them to defeat their people's enemies and provide their people with resources, so the people assented to their rule because they wanted the most successful person as their leader (because it was good for the people). Other times, the king was elected by nobles, as was the tradition in tribes like the Goths (Alaric and his successor Athaulf were elected, but soon after Athaulf it turned into a hereditary monarchy) and the Anglo-Saxons (through the Witenagemot).

Also, as you read "A World Lit Only By Fire," I would hope that you keep an open mind. I read it not too long ago after hearing good things about it, but I was disappointed that Manchester portrays the Middle Ages in a uniformly negative light. Many people do this, while others portray it in a very positive light. Neither is true, and a more nuanced view is necessary. But it seems that Manchester exaggerates a lot, especially in the first quarter of the book, to make the Middle Ages, particularly the Early Middle Ages, seem hellish. If you want a good book that takes a contrary view, I suggest "The Medieval Technology and Social Change," by Lynn White. It exaggerates in the opposite direction, but might provide good balance (welcome AP Euro, be prepared to read a lot if you want a 5).