Medieval Dynastic Decisions: Evolutionary Biology and Historical Explanation

Abstract

Medieval Dynastic Decisions: Evolutionary Biology and Historical Explanation It often occurs in studying the past that the actions of individuals appear puzzling when viewed with conventional historiographical lenses. In this article, we examine two cases in Angevin history that resist analysis based on historical models of causation such as raison d'etat, economic exploitation, or geopolitical advantage, and therefore invite exploration through more speculative interdisciplinary approaches. The examples under consideration are the dynastic decision of the childless Count Geoffrey Martel (Io40-o160) to dispose of his lands and lordships to one set of nephews rather than another, and the ecclesiastical and political career decisions of Bishop Guy II of le Puy (975-c 999), Geoffrey Martel's greatuncle.

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