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)?
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