Jurisdiction of the christian aristocracy: monarchy, nobility and monasticism in Portugal (XIIth -XIIIth centuries)

Abstract

This article intends to offer some reflections on the social process of construction of the institutions, based on the main role that the political networks take up on their strengthening. The study is focused in Portugal, between the 12th and 13th centuries, to explain how the monarchy, monasteries and nobility are interconnected to achieve the political consolidation of the Christian aristocracy. The analysis is based on the concepts of jurisdiction and institution in a political culture’s perspective.