Medieval Europe

King of the Franks and first Holy Roman Emperor who united much of Western Europe

Medieval European polity claiming Roman and Christian legitimacy, evolving into a decentralized confederation of German states

Representative assembly that evolved from medieval council to model of legislative government

Medieval charter establishing that the king is subject to law, inspiring constitutional rights worldwide

Thousand-year maritime republic pioneering diplomatic, commercial, and constitutional innovations

Occupational organization controlling entry, standards, and prices in a trade or craft

Representative legislative assembly where elected or appointed members debate and make laws