Open AccessDoorkeepers, the chamberlain and petitioning at the papal court, c .1150–1200
Author(s) -
Wiedemann Benedict
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
historical research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.203
H-Index - 21
eISSN - 1468-2281
pISSN - 0950-3471
DOI - 10.1111/1468-2281.12229
Subject(s) - petitioner , administration (probate law) , law , political science , history , supreme court
This article looks at the ‘second rank’ of courtiers at the papal curia. The doorkeepers ( hostiarii ) were part of the pope's personal household, subordinate to the papal chamberlain, but they played a significant role in curial administration: a clear division between ‘private’ household and ‘public’ administration is difficult to see. The hostiarii witnessed many of the financial and patrimonial deals struck by papal representatives; they could allow or deny entry into the pope's presence to petitioners and litigants; and they had a role in the production of papal letters and privileges. They were important figures at the curia.