Germany and its Neo-Roman Empire
Benjamin Arnold
When Emperor Otto the Great resided in Italy between 966 and 972, Widukind of Corvey recorded that Archbishop William Mainz ‘ruled imperium Franks’ as regent north Alps. To some extent phrase reflects Widukind’s prejudice against Rome. He did not approve Roman definition given to Great’s imperial title assumed 962. For him, was emperor or imperator military style by virtue his victory over Magyars at Lech 955, a consequence coronation hands pope.’ What expression also conveys is visualised him continuation Carolingian Empire Franks. This made possible theory Charlemagne’s conquest Saxony turned Franks Saxons into one gens. But whatever nuance preferred give restoration 960s, new emperor’s chancery proclaimed augustus Romanorum ac Francorum, ‘Emperor Augustus Romans so obvious reference emperors their conception what Ottonian regime hoped restore.2 The medieval Germans rightly sensed just it Frankish which initiated possibility cooperating ‘one people’ sense, foundation after 800 model basis for