Chapter 10 - The Later Middle Ages Flashcards

Main Ideas

• Popes and kings ruled Europe as spiritual and political leaders, often vying for influence and control over their respective domains.

• The struggle for power among popes led to significant divisions, culminating in a permanent split within the church, impacting its structure and influence.

• Kings and popes frequently clashed over various issues, including the appointment of bishops and the extent of royal versus papal authority.

Popes and Kings Rule Europe

• In the early Middle Ages, nobles and knights held considerable power, shaping local governance and military strength.

• Over time, power gradually shifted towards two central figures: the popes, who held spiritual authority, and the kings, who governed territories.

• The pope served as the head of the Christian Church in Western Europe, guiding religious practices and doctrines.

• The pope determined the church's teachings, influencing the beliefs and behaviors of the Christian population.

• A bull was an official letter issued by the pope to articulate religious teachings or establish church policies, carrying significant weight.

• For severe violations against the church or its doctrines, the pope and bishops could impose excommunication, effectively banishing the offender from the church community.

• Excommunication was a potent penalty, as Christians believed it jeopardized their chances of entering heaven and resulted in social isolation.

• Many popes wielded substantial political power, influencing secular affairs and engaging in diplomacy.

• The popes often found themselves in conflict with Europe's political leaders, particularly the kings, over matters of jurisdiction and authority.

• Around the year 1000, Europe was fragmented into numerous small states, each governed by kings with varying degrees of actual power.

• Certain kingdoms, such as England, France, and the Holy Roman Empire, had kings who exercised greater control over their territories.

Kingdoms of Europe

• England

• France

• Holy Roman Empire

• Kingdom of Eesti

• Volga Bulgaria

• Kingdom of Britons

• Sweden

• Baltic tribes

• Kievan Rus

• Kingdom of Denmark

• Anglo-Saxon

• Obotrites Kingdom

• Lutici

• Pechenegs

• Holy Roman Empire

• Poland

• Alans

• Kingdom of Hungary

• Kingdom of France

• Croatia

• Venice

• Burgundy

• Bulgaria

• Kingdom of Leon

• Kingdom of Navara

• Caliphate of Cordoba

• Papal States

• Lombards

• Byzantine Empire

• Kingdom of Georgia

• Abbasid Caliphate

Royal Succession and the Holy Roman Empire

• In England and France, kings typically inherited their thrones through hereditary succession from their fathers, ensuring dynastic continuity.

• The Holy Roman Empire emerged from the remnants of Charlemagne's empire, claiming to be its successor.

• In the mid-900s, another emperor ascended to the throne with the pope's endorsement. Reflecting a revival of Roman imperial ideals, it was renamed the Holy Roman Empire.

• Holy Roman emperors were chosen through election by the empire's nobles, adding a layer of political negotiation to the selection process.

Popes Fight for Power

• Although the pope was recognized as the head of the church in western Europe, bishops in the eastern regions enjoyed greater autonomy.

• From the mid-1000s onwards, a succession of popes endeavored to expand their influence over the eastern bishops, asserting papal authority.

• Certain popes asserted that all religious officials, including those in the east, were subject to the pope's ultimate jurisdiction.

• Pope Leo IX, upon assuming the papacy in 1049, contended that as Saint Peter, the first pope, had led the entire church, subsequent popes should inherit the same authority.

• Byzantine Patriarch Michael Cerularius resisted acknowledging the pope's supremacy, leading to his excommunication in 1054, an event known as the Great Schism.

• The Great Schism deepened cultural and political divides between eastern and western Europe, contributing to distinct trajectories.

• Supporters of Pope Leo IX's authority became known as Roman Catholics, adhering to the Roman Catholic Church.

• Adherents who sided with the bishop of Constantinople established the Orthodox Church, maintaining distinct theological and liturgical traditions.

Kings and Popes Clash

• Disputes arose between kings and popes concerning issues such as the appointment of bishops in their respective territories, challenging the balance of power.

• In 1073, Pope Gregory VII ascended to power in Rome, initiating a period of assertive papal authority.

• Pope Gregory VII voiced disapproval over a bishop appointed by Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV, asserting the church's right to choose its officials.

• The pope excommunicated Henry IV in response to his defiance, intensifying the conflict between secular and religious authority.

• Henry IV sought forgiveness and was eventually readmitted into the church, underscoring the pope's spiritual influence.

• In 1122, an agreement was reached stipulating that church officials would select bishops and abbots, but these appointees would remain obedient to the emperor.

• Despite this accord, conflicts persisted between kings and popes throughout the Middle Ages, reflecting ongoing tensions over power and jurisdiction.