Chapter 3 - The Code of Form and Shape

Summary

MODELS OF POWER exercised by rulers in Younger Europe were not that different from those followed by Merovingian, Carolingian, or Ottonian rulers. Relatively swiftly—over a period of no more than three generations—the “first families” (Piasts, Přemyslids, Árpáds) became dynasties who were negotiating with emperors and dispatching envoys to the papacy. Yet we have to draw a line between power held by a very powerful group, such as a family, and the one that would evolve into the dynastic phe-nomenon at the time that was typical of aristocratic, royal, and imperial courts. The situation of sovereigns across Younger Europe, all striving to secure and maintain power, became even more difficult once they decided to adopt Christianity for themselves and their subjects. The difficulty lay in meeting the demands of an extended community sur-rounding any given ruler, including family and court members, long-term allies carried over from the period when they were struggling for power, and new associates from the circle of other Christian rulers. Religious conversion by an individual ruler gave rise to another group who demanded care, assistance, and delivery of expectations in exchange for support—the prelates comprising bishops, abbots, missionaries, and other clerics. Arriving in Younger Europe, they brought a deep knowledge of the Christian faith, including detailed information on the requirements and meanings of liturgy, gesture, and ritual. The right use timber and brick architecture was meaningful—design through layout and the arrangement of interiors.

Supporting the clergy was of major importance especially in the early days, certainly as early as the mid-eleventh century when most conversions took place, and immediately afterwards. The use of specific architectural forms were conscious decisions of individuals with profound comprehension of architecture-related ideals, and knowledge of their use and how they might be adjusted, as required.

The two early phases of the stronghold complex on Ostrów Lednicki island in the Piast dominion are an excellent example. Local buildings associated with ducal rule are distinctly religious in style. The entire complex consisted of a ducal palace, its shorter east wall flanking a central building used as a chapel. A single-aisle church with protruding chancel terminating in an upright wall was erected to the east.