Speaker: Eric J. Goldberg, Department of History, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Abstract: »Beginning in the 830s, Carolingian writers increasingly complained about the growing problem of rapina or “rapine.” Going back to Roman law, rapina signified abuses that soldiers committed against civilians: illegal requisitions of food and fodder, violence and intimidation, sexual assault, and destruction of private property. This mounting problem of rapine was precipitated by a transformation of Frankish warfare, as Carolingian dynastic conflict and Norse invasions compelled Louis the Pious’s heirs to mobilize their soldiers for longer periods of time between the Loire and Rhine rivers. The heightened presence of hungry soldiers and their horses in Francia created serious challenges in supplying and disciplining troops. This talk uses the rich west Frankish capitularies to uncover how Charles the Bald and his successors attempted, and ultimately failed, to curb the problem of rapine.« (Source: Online Program)

Wikipedia: History of Europe: History of France / Carolingian Empire | Sex and the law: Rape / Wartime sexual violence | War: Wars involving Francia