The Powers of Kings and Queens

Monarchies, or governments that have a king or queen as the head of state, are drastically different today compared to the kingdoms of the Medieval. Throughout the majority of the Middle Ages, the king or queen had nearly limitless power. However, this power was challenged by the Magna Carta. Regardless of the limits of their power, medieval kings and queens had power in all areas of rule. Their role in the government essentially determined the success of the kingdom.

Power That King and Queen Had In Medieval and Have Today

One of the famous kings of Europe was Charlemagne who ruled the Franks between 768 and 814. During his reign, Charlemagne played a crucial role in his kingdom's military. Throughout his career he always commanded his armies from the front of the line. Charlemagne also focused heavily on internal affairs in his kingdom. He enacted numerous reforms throughout his reign to try to improve the lives of his people. Edward the Confessor, a ruler in England between 1042 and 1066, like Charlemagne, spent a great deal of time improving the internal structure of his kingdom. Westminster Abbey in London owes its existence to Edward.

Before 1215, the power of the kings in the Medieval had not been challenged. By 1215, many of England's barons and nobles were frustrated with the actions of King John and former kings. The noblemen claimed the king had abused his power by levying unfair taxes and demanding too much out of his nobles. After much negotiation between the two sides, the Magna Carta was signed. Its enactment marked a shift in Middle Age politics. For the first time, the king no longer had absolute power over his people, and he was no longer above the law. The Magna Carta eventually led to the ...