Avignon - the Papal Home in France

In 1309, after a generation of exploring various out of Rome fortresses, amongst others in Viterbo and Anagni, the popes decided to leave Rome and instead rule Western Christianity from the Southern French City of Avignon. In the next two generations, they would build there one of the most amazing Medieval fortress palaces, and one of the very few that is still in existence.
But why pick Avignon and what did that mean for the role of the Popes and for their hosts – the King of France?
This dayschool will look at the turbulent history of the 14th century and at the archaeological and art historical remains of that period of Papal history.