Expert: Michael Troy - 10/4/2009

Question
Hello,

  This isn't for homework but it is research for a novel I am writing. I looked all over the site and you seemed the best choice for an answer to these questions.
  In my story theres a point where the king dies, now my problem is that I don't know how succession and accession to the throne worked in medieval times.
So,
1. How was a crowning ceremony conducted in medieval times?
2. How did a prince become king? (like what steps were involved to officially become king?#
3. And finally, what did they do with a dead kings body? (burn it, bury it, entomb it, etcetera.)

  Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions of mine. It really means a lot and is very helpful.

                     -Tonisha Kroeger

Answer
Hi Tonisha,

A crowning ceremony is known as a coronation.  Medieval coronations were typically performed by a religious leader, such as a Bishop, or in some cases the Pope.  Because Kings ruled by divine right, it was considered important to treat the coronation as a religious ceremony.  Different countries had different details to the ceremony, but typically the religious leader would anoint the king with oil, and then place on him the symbols of royal authority, such as a crown, scepter, or other items of significance.  Following the ceremony, there would usually be a great feast or celebration that would last for days.

A King was typically chosen through primogeniture, meaning the eldest son of the king would take over for his father upon death.  If there were no sons, the title would pass to a brother, uncle, or cousin.  In a few cases women were permitted to become the ruler of the country (such as Elizabeth I) but this was unusual, especially in earlier periods.  In some countries, succession by birth was not automatic.  A King had the authority to chose his successor.  Often, if there was not a clear line of succession, different parties would claim the crown and the country would end up in a civil war as each side fought to put its leader on the thrown.

All of medieval Europe was under the influence of the Catholic Church.  Prior to Christianity, leaders were often burned.  But the church held that burning bodies was a sin.  Monarchs in the Christian era were either buried or entombed.  For example most British monarchs going back many centuries are entombed in Westminster Abbey.

I hope this helps!
- Mike