The Medieval Church

1. The Medieval Church SSWH 7 b. Describe the political impact of Christianity; include Pope Gregory VII and King Henry IV of Germany (Holy Roman Emperor). c. Explain the role of the church in medieval society.

2. The Role of the Church • The church was able to survive during the Middle Ages because of: • Alliances with France • Monasteries (religious communities of people who devoted their lives to God; located in remote countryside) • Secular power (more focus on worldly & political matters)

3. The Power of the Church Religious Authority Political Authority Salvation –promise of life after death Sacraments – religious ceremonies (like baptism & marriage) that provided salvation The Village Church –center of Medieval religious & social life Canon Law – laws & courts established by the church Punishments: Excommunication– banishment from church (denial of salvation & freeing of vassals under your power) Interdict– prohibition (forbidding) of sacraments in your land

4. Church alliance with France

5. Conflicts between Religion and Politics Traditionally, the Emperor would allow the Pope to handle religious matters. The Pope, in turn, would leave political matters to the Emperor. However, as the church began to expand it’s power, conflicts arose. In particular, one major conflict arose over the issue of lay investiture, or the power of kings to appoint important church officials.

6. Political Impact of Christianity Timeline of Key Events

7. In 800 AD, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne Emperor. This was one of the first times a pope had exercised the political right of naming an Emperor. 800 AD

8. Charlemagne’s Empire spreads Christianity

9. In 936, Otto the Great was crowned emperor, continuing the practice. • Holy Roman Empire that was created by Otto the Great’s alliance with the church became the strongest state in Europe. 936 AD

10. Holy Roman Empire

11. In 1075, Pope Gregory VII banned the practice of lay investiture. Emperors could no longer appoint important church officials. • The banning of lay investiture made German Emperor Henry IVfurious with the church. 1075 AD

12. King Henry IV called a meeting of all important church officials in his empire and called on Pope Gregory to step down. • As a result, Pope Gregory VII excommunicated Henry. 1075 AD

13. Henry IV traveled to the pope’s Italian residence and stood outside in the snow for 3 days begging forgiveness. • Finally, the pope forgave him. 1077 AD

14. In 1122, an agreement was signed between the church and the emperor. This agreement was called the Concordant of Worms. • It stated that only the pope could appoint bishops, but that the king could refuse to approve these appointments. 1122 AD

15. The Crusades • 1095 - 1291, the church engaged in a series of holy wars, known as the Crusades. • Goals: • Political – reclaim territory conquered by Muslim Empire(especially Jerusalem – the Holy Land) • Economic–merchants profited by loaning money for the journey; people wanted access to Muslim trade routes • Social – promise of salvation & glory

16. The Crusades

17. Impact of the Crusades Women – opportunities to manage estates, shops, & inns Merchants (European & Muslim) – benefitted from trade (spices, fruit, cloth) Pope – failure of the Crusades weakened his power Kings – increased their power Muslims– legacy of bitterness & hatred