The thesis presents Norman architectural commissions through which the Normans showed their political power, economic power and religious beliefs. The architectural commissions date back to the 10th century when the Normans formed as a nation after adopting feudalism, Christianity, the local language and culture. On their territory and with their autonomy, they founded the Duchy of Normandy. Good living conditions and political stability allowed the Normans to restore and construct sacral and profane architectural monuments. Norman architecture reached its peak in the mid-11th century when Normandy was a strong and stable duchy. During that time, two important Norman abbeys were built – the Abbey of Sainte-Trinité and the Abbey of Saint-Étienne in Caen.
The thesis focuses on sacral and profane architectural monuments that were commissioned by Norman rulers during their reign. These architectural monuments represent and also highlight some of the key reasons why some of the monuments were built and the impact they had on other lands. For ease of understanding, the thesis also presents the development of Norman history in Normandy, as well as the reigns of its most important rulers.
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