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The Power Struggle: Church vs. State in Medieval Europe

Explore the intense conflict between church and state during the medieval period, following the power dynamics shaped by Pope Gelasius I's iconic statement. Learn about the structured authority of the Church with the Pope at its helm, challenging the political control of emperors and kings. Witness key historical events like Otto I's alliance with the Church and Frederick I's turbulent reign, marked by battles with the Lombard League and Italian cities. Delve into the Concordat of Worms and the fateful Battle of Legnano, culminating in the division of the Holy Roman Empire. Unravel the intricate struggles that shaped medieval Europe's political and religious landscape.

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The Power Struggle: Church vs. State in Medieval Europe

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  1. 13.4 – The Power of the Church

  2. Setting the Stage • Conflict between church & state • Pope Gelasius I: “There are two powers by which this world is chiefly ruled: the sacred authority of the priesthood and the authority of kings.” • The Pope: Control Religious Matters v. the Emperor/Kings: Control Political Matters • The Church and various rulers will compete for ultimate authority

  3. The Church: Structure • Power based on status • Head of the Church = The Pope • Authority over all bishops & priests (Clergy) • Bishops supervised priests (lowest level) • Bishops settle disputes over practices & teachings • Local Priests = Main contact with the Church

  4. A Unifying Force • The Church unified the division made by feudalism • A stable force during a time of upheaval • People live harsh lives, but could achieve salvation • The Sacraments • Locally: The Church was the religious and social center

  5. Church Law • Church law = Canon Law • Marriage & Religion • Courts established to carry law out • Punishments: excommunication & interdict • Popes use excommunication (denial of salvation) to control kings • Continued disobedience by a king = the interdict • The Sacraments & religious services could not be performed in said king’s lands • Laws give the Church near ultimate authority

  6. Otto I • Germany: Otto I allies with the Church • Uses the Church to check fellow nobles • Builds a power base through bishops & abbots = monasteries • Invades Italy for the Church = crowned emperor by the pope

  7. The Church v. The Holy Roman Empire • Problems: Popes & Italian nobles resent German power in Italy • The Church dislikes lay investiture = kings appoint church officials • 1075: Pope Gregory VII bans process • Emperor Henry IV orders Gregory to step down; Henry excommunicated • 1077: Henry meets Gregory at Canossa, make-up, & is re-instated

  8. Concordat of Worms • Popes & Kings continued to fight over lay investiture • 1122: The Emperor & church officials meet at Worms, Germany • Compromise: • The Church appoints bishops • Emperor could veto appointment

  9. Frederick I (Barbarossa) • 1st emperor to officially call lands “Holy Roman” • Lands a patchwork of feudal territories • Invades rich cities of Italy & angers the pope • Lombard League forms to combat Frederick • Pope & Italian cities • 1176: Battle of Legnano – Frederick defeated by Italians & their crossbows • 1190: Frederick I dies while on Crusade • Empire shatters into pieces

  10. Separation of German States • German kings try to rebuild the empire • Problems with Revival: • Multiple clashes with Italian cities and the pope • Election of the king through princes (weak authority) • Problems lead to a control fewer and weaker lands to establish power

  11. Division of the Holy Roman Empire

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