Abstract

The accepted narrative for medieval Breton political history emphasises a lack of centralised authority which resulted in political volatility. Like all accepted narratives, this one needs re-interrogation. Recent scholarship has expanded 'political culture' to recognise the contributions of ministers, advisers, family and others, Analysis of the political actions and contributions of Countess Ermengarde (c.1070-1147, r. 1093-1147) will provide an opportunity to reconsider twelfth-century Breton political culture. Another feature of the historiography of medieval political power is that it was only exercised by men or those who were gendered male. I will argue, however, that Ermengarde remained very much a female and that her gender, in fact, gave her power and influence that she could command in the political realm not available to her husband or son. In particular, Ermengarde was skilled in creating and cultivating relationships with powerful people and important ecclesiastical institutions of the Loire valley. Her talents and connections contributed significantly both to the stability of Brittany, but also its political culture.