Quote:
Originally Posted by CroFlames
I'm not sure if requests are allowed, but I love hearing tidbits about early and Medieval Europe. Charlemagne, crooked Popes, Roman conquerors, and extremely wealthy and corrupt noblemen engaging in shenanigans. A lot of today's culture and knowledge comes directly from discoveries and progress during those time periods.
|
I have an advantage, being on the opposite side of the dateline, but I can scratch this itch today.
December 1, 800:
Charlemagne - at the time King of the Franks and Lombards - has journeyed to Rome to judge Pope Leo III on charges of adultery and perjruy. The charges have been brought by relatives of the previous Pope, Adrian I.
Months earlier, hirelings of Adrian's relatives had attacked Pope Leo in an effort to tear out his tongue and eyes, with the goal of rendering him unable to remain in office as Pope. Leo survived the attack - tongue and eyes intact, and travelled to Paderborn to recuperate where he was received with great honor by Charlemagne.
December 1st, Charlemagne holds a council, with representatives of both sides of the issue, and resolves that Leo must swear a holy oath that shall be sufficient to prove his innocence.
Leo will swear the oath on December 23rd, and on Christmas Day, 800 he will crown Charlemagne
Imperator Romanorum.