The Idea of the State and Imperial Rule in the Byzantine and Western Empire in the 9th to 11th Centuries

The present thesis aims to conclude an analysis of political and administative structures in Byzantium and Western Empire from the end of the 9th until half of the 11th century. This was achieved by means of comparison. The author attempted resolve the issue of mutual relationship between the political elite and the ruler and how differences both in the Byzantine and Western Empires influenced the social system. The research included analysis of ruler legitimity, organisation of administration, social mentality and abstract ideas of the state. In the conclusion of this work, the author presented the major differences between West and Byzantium and evaluated future development of both states in regard to internal stability and integration fo political elites. Keywords: Byzantine Empire, East Francia, Roman Empire, Idea of the Stat