Council of Toulouges

Warfare was a way of life for the nobility in the Middle Ages. Most knights were trained and practiced in the art of combat while still in their youth. The lack of strong central government was one of the primary reasons war was so prevalent in medieval society. Although kings held the authority to control their nobility, throughout most of the Middle Ages they lacked the power to enforce that authority. It fell upon the church to either control or redirect the warlike impulses of feudal noblemen. The "Peace of God" and the "Truce of God" were the church's response to the problem of warfare. The "peace" attempted to limit warfare by excluding women, clergymen, peasants, and others from attacks of violence. The "truce" aimed at limiting the days and periods of time during which hostilities were permitted. Excommunication...