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768
Charlemagne Comes to Power
Charlemagne was given the throne after his father died. Charlemagne was a skilled military strategist that spent most of his time engaged in warfare in order to accomplish his goals. He became one of the most important kings in Medieval history. -
800
Charlemagne Crowned Holy Roman Emperor
The Pope was able to regain control of Rome with the help of Charlemagne. In thanks for his help and protection, the Pope crowned Charlemagne the Holy Roman Emperor. This was especially important since there was not a Roman Emperor since 476. -
911
The Vikings Convert to Christianity
The Vikings were known as raiders and they would attack places that were all Christian. Once the Vikings decided to settle down, they converted to Christianity. There was an increase in Christianity and Christian rulers because of many people converted to Christianity. -
962
Otto l become Holy Roman Emperor
After the death of Charlemagne, Otto l was crowned Holy Roman Empire. This marked the end of the Charlemagne bloodline as rulers. The title of the Holy Roman Empire was given to Christian leaders by the Pope. -
1000
Expansion of Catherdral Schools
The Church started schools to educate future priests. This meant that the Church had the only power over any education. At this point in time, Christianity was the center of life. -
1095
The Crusades
The Crusades were a group of wars fought in order to gain control of the holy land. Christianity was a powerful influence that grew the status of anyone who followed including Popes and Kings. -
1171
Pope Alexander lll
Pope Alexander lll gave approval to the Northern Crusades. This group of Crusades was much more successful than others. This proved the Popes still had the authority to organize successful campaigns. -
1305
Pope Clement V
Pope Clement V was elected Pope with the support of King Philip IV. Clement was the first of Rome's most notable bishops. This gave French kings significant influence over the papacy in Rome. -
1337
King Edward III starts the 100 Years' War
The 100 Years' War started because of disputes over who should be crowned King of England. It also demonstrated the military power controlled by both kingdoms. -
1348
The Black Death
During the Bubonic Plague, the people believed that God was the only person who was able to save them from death and sickness. Religious leaders, priests, and the pope were people whom the common people looked up to in order to get their prayers and messages to God. -
Summary
There were many leaders and events that made Popes and Kings more powerful. Any circumstance that allowed for leaders to gain more control, caused Kings and Popes to be more powerful. In general, Kings were seen as powerful if they had a strong religious influence.