<i>A Sacred Kingdom: Bishops and the Rise of Frankish Kingship, 300–850</i> (review)
Greg Bearringer
Reviewed by: A Sacred Kingdom: Bishops and the Rise of Frankish Kingship, 300–850 Greg Bearringer Michael Edward Moore, (Washington, DC: Catholic University America Press 2011) xii + 456 pp. Some basic parameters this book will suffice to show how impressive a task Dr. Moore set out upon: using sources from seven different languages, he contends that, over course more than five hundred years, society various ruling families managed grow roving Germanic bands rulers an empire which covered vast portion continent. This process, argues, was in many ways guided by bishops who interacted with monarchy through (mutually beneficial) political socio-religious ties that bound them together. There is much good be said not only meat Moore’s argument but also sets table: first must have us reimagine as mere second choice nobles searching for avenues power, significant players themselves serving [End Page 245] both important social governmental role naturally came—ideally appropriate reservations—from aristocratic ranks. In chapter 1, lays history fill vacuum power ways: building cathedrals mutually agreed upon definitions authority legal precedents combined already extant Roman biblical traditions, provisions spontaneous issues dealt at councils. His has cadre bishops, origins imperial attempting cultivate these councils setting canon law. These became real forums powerful men. The third fourth chapters cementing their position, endowing offices bishop king specific roles steeped religion its rituals they derived civic duty; second, cache expertise craft historic-mythological model ruled along side beneficial relationship form. Chapter 5 discusses central played liturgy—as well as, broadly, religious symbology—and reflected politically economically. 6, argues Boniface those after him created identity kingship based missionary ideal structured military action nevertheless counted sacral duty. seventh sees transformation church under into “imperial” Church sought unified law sacrilized kingship. Here, notably, refutes idea Carolingian government could described anything like “political Augustinianism,” makes sense when considering long line manipulating traditions until were, fact, very foundations monarchy. Indeed, cites fact written law—the unquestioned domain bishop—became medium Charlemagne expressed his increasingly concerned duties left heretofore bishops. 8 united thought purpose reign Louis Pious even while system began crumble because inherent flaw Merovingian succession. final chapter, points strained nobility called nearly saint-like responsibly peoples land. Meanwhile, codify every practice. council Paris 825 shown great achievement last thrust royal episcopal unity. It contained, however, harbingers division between two classes God’s kingdom. overall Louis’s there increased effort shape kingdom Godly one ability create or sustain unity waning...
Comitatus-a Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies