"Capitulare de villis" refers to a legal document or a series of directives issued by Charlemagne, the King of the Franks and later the Emperor of the Carolingian Empire, around the year 800 AD. The term is derived from Latin, where "capitulare" means a chapter or article, "de" represents of or concerning, and "villis" pertains to the villas or royal estates.
The "Capitulare de villis" was a significant decree that aimed to regulate and ensure efficient governance of the Carolingian agricultural properties or villae. It consisted of a comprehensive list of instructions and obligations for estate management, covering areas such as cultivation techniques, livestock rearing, provision of the court, and maintenance of the royal infrastructure.
The document laid down specific standards for crop production, admonishing the estate stewards to engage in proper farming practices, oversee the introduction of new crops, and ensure the well-being of livestock. It also addressed various aspects of land usage, irrigation, maintenance of gardens, vineyards, and orchards, as well as the upkeep of mills, fish ponds, and beekeeping.
The "Capitulare de villis" aimed to ensure self-sufficiency, sustainability, and productivity of the royal estates while serving the interests of the empire. It established a foundation for efficient agriculture and enhanced economic output in the Carolingian Empire, emphasizing the importance of a well-organized estate management system.
Scholars appreciate the "Capitulare de villis" as an important historical document, shedding light on the agricultural practices, economic strategies, and socio-political structures of the Carolingian Empire.
