Doorkeepers, the chamberlain and petitioning at the papal court, c .1150-1200

Abstract

This article looks at the ‘second rank’ of courtiers at the papal curia. The doorkeepers (hostiarii) were part of the pope's personal household, subordinate to the papal chamberlain, but they played a significant role in curial administration: a clear division between ‘private’ household and ‘public’ administration is difficult to see. The hostiarii witnessed many of the financial and patrimonial deals struck by papal representatives; they could allow or deny entry into the pope's presence to petitioners and litigants; and they had a role in the production of papal letters and privileges. They were important figures at the curia.