The Birth of a Power Struggle

• The Roman Catholic Church

• Popes, Bishops and Clergy

• The “State”• Rise of European “Empires”

Foundation of Church Power

Feudalism: Land Equals Power!

Influence of the Church on Medieval Europe

• Clergy on the Manor• Sole Unifying Source in Europe• Promise of an After life (salvation)• Canon Law• Threat of Excommunication• Interdict

Rise of the Emperors

Charlemagne- France• 771 C.E.- 814 C.E.

Otto I- Germany• 936 C.E.- 973 C.E.

Charlemagne

• His Grandfather (Charles Martel) stops the spread of Islam into Europe at the Battle of Tours 732 C.E.

• His Father Pepin “the Short” fought on behalf the Church

• Charlemagne= Charles “The Great”• Crowned “Roman Emperor by Pope • Leo III- Helped spread Christianity

Lay Investitures

• A ceremony in which Kings and nobles appointed church officials

• 1075 C.E. Pope Gregory VII banned lay investitures

• Power Struggle Emerging

Showdown at Canossa (1077 C.E.)

The State• German Emperor (Henry IV)

demands Pope Gregory VII step down as Pope

• Henry travels to Canossa to beg forgiveness

• Concordat of Worms: the Church alone can appoint bishops but an emperor could veto an appointment

The Church• Pope Gregory VII

excommunicates Henry IV

Who would you side with?

• If you were a lord?

• If you were a knight?

• If you were clergy?

• If you were a serf (vassal)?