What did kings do in the Middle Ages?

Originally, the kings of the Germanic tribes of late antiquity had three main jobs:

• to act as the highest judge,
• to act as the highest priest, and
• to act as the supreme military commander.

Later on, they became Christian and relegated religious authority to the Church. Though they continued to make laws, they tended to act less as judges. The better kings tried to improve the well being of their countries and their subjects.

In general, the role of kings was to rule their lands , lead the fight to defend them, and protect and support their vassals.