In the 14th century, power in Europe was largely in the hands of the aristocracy. Surprisingly, one-fifth of the rulers were women. Historian Erika Graham-Goering, a specialist in medieval power in France during this period, explains that women’s influence was significant and, in many cases, on par with men. According to Graham-Goering, power in the Middle Ages was complex and depended not only on strength but also on diplomacy and the ability to negotiate, especially during times of conflict, such as the Hundred Years’ War.

In 14th-century France, ruled by the House of Valois, centralized power in Paris coexisted with territories under self-governing regimes, as was the case in the east, where the Holy Roman Empire held influence. Regional differences were evident in the variety of languages and dialects, a testament to cultural and political diversity. This context allowed aristocrats to exercise significant local power, adapting to the demands of both the monarchy and local communities.

Graham-Goering notes that, rather than the strictly authoritarian vision often associated with the Middle Ages, local power depended on constant negotiation and compromise. In many localities, multiple people shared control in what is known as “co-regency,” a system in which up to 20 lords could exercise power over a single territory. This model reduced conflicts and improved cooperation between the aristocracy and the peasants, who, with several leaders, had more options for resolving disputes and local needs.

France Women Power
Map of France, Year 1350: The crown estates (blue) were more directly subject to the king’s influence, while the fiefs (red) had more autonomy. The yellow areas show areas that England had conquered during the Hundred Years’ War. Credit: E. Graham-Goering

With the onset of the Hundred Years’ War between France and England (1337–1453), the French king sought to consolidate his power and unify the nation. This conflict provided the monarchy an opportunity to strengthen its authority by presenting itself as the protector of national interests against an external enemy. However, the king could only consolidate his authority by cooperating with the nobility. With a sparse administrative staff of about 4,000 officials for 15 million inhabitants, the monarchy needed the support of local lords, who, in turn, retained autonomy in their regions.

This balance of power was also evident in the tax system. Although the king could impose taxes in times of war or crisis, these required the nobles’ approval to be collected effectively. Local lords had to approve these contributions and cooperate with the royal administration, which made tax collection a collaborative process.

The role of women in medieval politics has often been minimized, but Graham-Goering’s studies show that, in a hereditary succession system, many women came to wield power. Among the most notable examples is Jeanne de Penthièvre, Duchess of Brittany, who inherited the duchy at age 15 and fought a 24-year war to maintain her position. During this time, she demonstrated leadership skills comparable to those of men of her time.

France Women Power
Christine de Pizan presenting her book to Queen Elisabeth of Bavaria. Credit: Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

Aristocratic women like Christine de Pizan, a renowned writer of the period had to know the laws and norms of leadership and could intervene in military defense issues if necessary. Pizan highlighted women’s capacity to assume command roles. Although they were more vulnerable to coups and usurpations, noblewomen could retain their position through marriage, maintaining control over their lands even after marriage.

The paradox of medieval history is that while governance systems were authoritarian, women had a reasonable chance of coming to power thanks to family succession. However, with the arrival of democracy after the French Revolution, women’s access to power positions decreased drastically. Their active political participation was prohibited, as they could neither vote nor be elected, resulting in a loss of power that they had previously held in the feudal system.

This historical contrast raises questions about the impact of political changes on gender roles. Graham-Goering emphasizes that, in the Middle Ages, access to power depended on the ability to manage responsibilities, negotiate, and adapt to complex circumstances. Ultimately, this period’s analysis highlights a less monolithic and more negotiable view of medieval power, in which women and men, although with different limitations, played complementary roles in local and regional power management.

SOURCES

University of Oslo

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