The role of the Royal Instituition in Medieval Portuguese: A structural perspective essay

Abstract

This contribution studies the royal institution in medieval Portugal; this subject was the object of very numerous researches, which we try to synthesize, but by emphasizing a less studied aspect: sacralization of the person and the function of the kings. This sacredness employs institutions and motives from clerical origin (holiness, especially under the dynasty of Avis) but also a not christian sacred, magic, of chivalrous type.