The Pope and the Franks

The Pope And The Franks

As Christianity spread further across Europe, the Popes realised how important it was to prevent the Church from being controlled by various rival Kings and Lords who were fighting over land. The Popes believed that the best way to protect the Church’s independence was for them to have their own territory. The Franks, who occupied the land we now call France, supported the Popes in this goal. In 755 Pope Stephen II crowned Pepin the King of the Franks. In return Pepin fought for territory in Italy and handed it over to the Pope.

The close friendship between the Franks and the Papacy was strongest under Pepin’s son, Charlemagne (724 – 814). Charlemagne built up a great kingdom that stretched across Europe. He set out to create a Christian state based on education and learning. With the help of Alcuin, a monk from Yorkshire in England, Charlemagne founded schools throughout his lands. The close partnership between Church and State that developed under Charlemagne was recognised by Pope Leo III who crowed him Emperor of the Romans on Christmas Day 800.

Your Task:

The Popes and the Kings of the Franks formed a partnership that helped both sides. You will be making up a contract in the form of a scroll that explains what the Popes and Kings will do for each other and what they will get in return. You could use paper which you have aged and burnt to make your scroll. Stick your completed work in your book.