The Normans and Empire

Abstract

After a brief survey of the historiography of the use of the term empire in relation to the Normans, the chapter defines its terms of reference and argues for their relevance to the subject. It argues for a modern approach to the subject of identity and identities. It uses a case study to illuminate the multiple forces that were in operation on one particular case, thereby opening up new vistas, before turning to the subjects of hard power and the language and imagery of empire. The comprehensiveness of the takeover of the English kingdom is emphasized, but so too are the difficulties of the exercise of power in northern France. The concept of hard power is especially useful because it opens up an analysis of its limitations and as a result of the misconceptions that can follow from an uncritical acceptance of the evidence of literary sources.

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