After Charlemagne’s death in 814 and the Treaty of Verdun in 843, his empire fractured. Political instability, Viking raids, and internal strife led to the decentralization of power. The Rise of the Castellans Local lords—castellans—fortified their territories with stone castles, symbolizing autonomous dominium. They administered justice, l

Introduction: The Nature of Dominium Between the years 750 and 1215, Western Europe experienced a profound transformation. Feudal lords, abbots, bishops, kings, and emperors carved dominions out of a once chaotic post-Roman landscape. The Latin term dominium—meaning "lordship," "ownership," or "sovereignty"—aptly defines this age of hierarchy,

While sanctuary offered mercy and a second chance, it also sparked controversy. Critics argued that it enabled criminals to escape justice, harbor rebellion, and even plan new crimes from the safety of holy sites. Sanctuary was a point of tension between Church and State, with monarchs seeking more control over justice while Church leaders defended

Once a criminal entered sanctuary, they were under the Church's jurisdiction. Secular law enforcement, including sheriffs and bailiffs, was forbidden to remove them by force. The church provided food and shelter, and the fugitive had the right to negotiate or plead their case with the Church or Crown. Inside sanctuary, fugitives were often requi