Rewriting third paragraph in the lede
Okumaya devam et...
← Previous revision | Revision as of 05:13, 28 April 2024 |
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| [[File:Hexateuch king.jpg|thumb|300px|Anglo-Saxon king with his witan. Biblical scene in the Illustrated [[Old English Hexateuch]] (11th century), portraying Pharaoh in court session, after passing judgment on his chief baker and chief cupbearer.]] | [[File:Hexateuch king.jpg|thumb|300px|Anglo-Saxon king with his witan. Biblical scene in the Illustrated [[Old English Hexateuch]] (11th century), portraying Pharaoh in court session, after passing judgment on his chief baker and chief cupbearer.]] |
| The '''witan''' ({{literal translation|wise men}}) was the king's council in the [[Government in Anglo-Saxon England|Anglo-Saxon government of England]] from before the 7th century until the 11th century. It was composed of the leading [[magnate]]s, both ecclesiastic and secular. Meetings of the witan were sometimes called the '''witenagemot'''.{{refn|group="note"|Pronounced {{IPAc-en||ˈ|w|ɪ|t|ᵻ|n|ə|j|ə|ˌ|m|əʊ|t}} {{respell|WIT|in|ə|yə|MOHT}}.<ref>{{cite OED|witenagemot}}</ref>}} | The '''witan''' ({{literal translation|wise men}}) was the king's council in the [[Government in Anglo-Saxon England|Anglo-Saxon government of England]] from before the 7th century until the 11th century. It was composed of important [[nobility|noblemen]], including [[ealdormen]], [[thegn]]s, and bishops. Meetings of the witan were sometimes called the '''witenagemot'''.{{refn|group="note"|Pronounced {{IPAc-en||ˈ|w|ɪ|t|ᵻ|n|ə|j|ə|ˌ|m|əʊ|t}} {{respell|WIT|in|ə|yə|MOHT}}.<ref>{{cite OED|witenagemot}}</ref>}} |
| Its primary function was to advise the king on subjects such as promulgation of laws, judicial judgments, approval of charters transferring land, settlement of disputes, election of archbishops and bishops and other matters of major national importance. The witan also had to elect and approve the appointment of a new king. Its membership was composed of the most important [[nobility|noblemen]], including [[ealdormen]], [[thegn]]s, and senior [[clergy]]. | Its primary function was to advise the king on legislation, judicial cases, land transfers, and other matters of national importance. The witan may have elected new kings from among members of the ruling dynasty. |
| The {{lang|ang|witan}} is considered an ancestor of the [[Parliament of England]]. Before the 20th century, historians thought it had been a proto-parliament: an institution that was both democratic and representative in nature. In the 20th century, historians shifted to emphasise the {{lang|ang|witan's}} [[ad hoc]] and essentially royal nature. | The {{lang|ang|witan}} is considered an ancestor of the [[Parliament of England]]. Before the 20th century, historians thought it had been a proto-parliament: an institution that was both democratic and representative in nature. In the 20th century, historians shifted to emphasise the {{lang|ang|witan's}} [[ad hoc]] and essentially royal nature. |
Okumaya devam et...