Carolingian Law

This study aims to verify how Hincmar of Rheims (806-882) made use of Augustine in order to articulate his thoughts on the legal role of the king – in particular his role of agent responsible for the achievement of justice – in the context of the Carolingian order. To determine it, analysis was carried out of De Regis Persona et Regio Ministerio (850/873). The itinerary of research was divided in two stages: firstly, the focus rested on the chapters that designed, in general terms, the royal figure in his person and in his ministry, a relevant step to situate the monarch in his broad relationship with justice. In a second step, the object of analysis were the chapters that addressed the mechanisms by which the king accomplishes justice (now in a more specific sense, relating to his subjects): coercion and punishment, mercy and forgiveness. It was concluded that Hincmar, in his uses of Augustine in De Regis Persona, depicts a monarch which fullfils justice, first of all, in himself; then, when turning to his subjects, the king is outlined as someone responsible for the disciplining of his people. Coercion, punishment, mercy and forgiveness emerge, thus, as instruments to carry out the task of correcting the subjects’ wills, ensuring the conservation of the law and, ultimately, maintaining the unity of Carolingian people.

Keywords: Augustine; Hincmar of Rheims; medieval king; justice; Carolingians.