Christian History Course

Master of Christian History ~ Lesson #18

(The Carolingian Empire)

by Bro. Jim DeManche

1. Is Charlemagne essential for medieval history? Why or why not?

Yes.  Clovis' sons were incompetent rulers. This made it necessary to place royal authority into the hands of a regent known as the "mayor of the palace". These mayors of the palace would exercise royal authority in governmental affairs while Clovis' incompetent successors enjoyed life in the palace. As mayors of the palace, these regents would form what would become the Carolingian dynasty. This dynasty would gain its greatest power during the reign of Charlemagne.

2. What helped the Roman pontiff to become even more powerful and influential in the Carolingian Era?

Pepin the Short ruled jointly with his brother Carloman from A.D. 741 to 747 when the latter went to a monastery. Pepin the Short was the first true Carolingian monarch because in A.D. 751 he took the title of king along with his authority as mayor of the palace. This came about from a request from Pope Zacharias [Zachary] for aid against the Lombards who were threatening papal authority in Italy.

3. How was Charlemagne's imperial reign a "renaissance"?

When Pope Leo III was attacked by a mob in Rome and nearly murdered, he fled Rome for the court of Charlemagne. Charlemagne went back to Rome with him. A council cleared the Roman pontiff of the charges against him. During a holy mass in the cathedral on Christmas Day in A.D. 800, while Charlemagne knelt before the altar, the pope placed the imperial crown upon his head and proclaimed him emperor of the Romans. This event united a universal church with a universal empire. Classical and Christian heritage were joined in a Christian empire. 

********************************************

To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program.