The Change in the Power of Kings Throughout the Course of the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages in Europe extended from the late 400’s to the late 1300’s A.D., which is about 900 years. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Western Europe was in ruins.[b] Without the leadership of the Roman Empire, many small barbarian kingdoms emerged. Kings   in the early Middle Ages had almost unlimited power, including controlling the military and the authority to levy taxes. The medieval civilization was created by combining three primary historical elements, which were Judeo-Christian religion and values, classical Roman civilization and barbarian culture. The Middle Ages also created enough economic stability so that people could think beyond simple survival. Many people moved from the country to the city to find better work opportunities. This demographic shift diluted the power of the feudal lords and forced them to make compromises. The development of medieval cities brought economic stability and centers of commerce. Europe was in constant survival mode with the economic changes during this time as the kings had their power reduced when the Magna Carta was signed and during the Crusades, but a turnaround occurred when the kings regained power with the Concordat of Worms.

The Magna Carta was written and designed to reduce the powers held by the king and to make him govern the country by old English laws. The Magna Carta is a document that was signed by King John in 1215. He signed the document after facing rebellion from his barons. In signing the Magna Carta, King John forever changed the power of the monarchy, the rights of a citizen, and the influence Parliament had on the country. The content of the Magna Carta was drafted between the Church and the rebelling barons. The majority of the content was written by Archbishop Stephen Langton and English barons. “We will sell to no man, we will not deny to any man, either justice or right”. This quote was from The Magna Carta, Article 40, showing that kings had to follow the strict rules stated in...