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The Carolingian Empire

Emperor: The Background

In the late 790s, Pope Leo III (795-816) was in serious trouble. The office of the papacy had become the prize to be won in the feuds and battles among noble Roman families, and these feuds had often affected the fortunes of the popes.

In 799 a rebellion against the pope broke out, led by his family's rivals. Leo was attacked while in a procession, was beaten and imprisoned for a time. When he escaped, he fled Rome and appealed for aid to Charlemagne's court. The faction that rebelled brought criminal charges against the pope to Charles, who was now in the position of arbitrator between the two sides. There was no authority in Rome competent to judge a pope, but the king had great prestige.

Charlemagne went to Rome in person, and brought Leo back with him to settle the matter. On 23 December 800 Charles convoked a council of prelates and nobles. Leo took an oath affirming his innocence and the council absolved him of wrongdoing. With a royal army nearby, no one could dispute the findings of the council.