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Magnum Concilium
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== Anglo-Saxon assemblies == The {{lang|la|Magnum Concilium}} ([[Latin]] for "Great Council") originated in the 10th century, when several small Anglo-Saxon kingdoms formed a unified [[Kingdom of England]]. In [[Anglo Saxon England|Anglo-Saxon England]], the king held [[deliberative assemblies]] of [[nobles]] and [[prelate]]s, called [[witan]]s. These assemblies comprised between twenty-five and hundreds of participants, including [[bishop]]s, [[abbot]]s, [[ealdormen]], and [[thegn]]s. Witans met regularly during the three feasts of [[Christmas]], [[Easter]] and [[Whitsun]] and at other times. Previously, kings interacted with their nobility through [[Itinerant court|royal itineration]], but the new kingdom's size made that impractical. Having nobles come to the king for witans was an important alternative to maintain control of the realm.{{Sfn|Maddicott|2010|pp=2β6 & 11β12}} Witans served several functions. They appear to have had a role in [[Elective monarchy|electing kings]], especially in times when the succession was disputed. They were theatrical displays of kingship in that they coincided with crown-wearings. They were also forums for receiving petitions and building consensus among the [[Magnate|magnates]]. King's dispensed [[patronage]], such as granting [[Bookland (law)|bookland]], and these were recorded in [[Anglo-Saxon charters|charters]] witnessed and consented to by those in attendance. Appointments to offices, such as to bishoprics or ealdormanries, were also made during witans. In addition, important political decisions were made in consultation with witans, such as going to war and making treaties. Witans also helped the king to produce [[Anglo-Saxon law]] codes and acted as a court for important cases (such as those involving the king or important magnates).{{Sfn|Maddicott|2010|pp=22, 25β26, 28, 30 & 33}}
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