COMMUNICATING POLITICAL ORDER IN THE MIDDLE AGES

Political order represents much more than the basic structure of domination operating within a given political entity. It is built upon the interaction of the various political bodies that comprise it, in accordance with what political-constitutional practice establishes in each case, and it is grounded in the co1nmw1ication that necessarily accompanies it. As demonstrated by the studies included in this volume, communication encompasses an extensive array of functions, procedures, agents, channels and instruments, as well as purposes or aims. Communicating the political order, therefore, entails much more than merely declaring and imposing a particular model of order. Toe contributions included in this volume are the res ult of the research project Más allá de la palabra. Comunicación y discurso políticos en la Castilla Trastámara (1367-1504) / Beyond the Word. Political Communication and Discourse in Trastámara Castile ( 1367- 1504).