CHAOS IN THE FORTIFIED CITY
R Taylor|Katherine Rinne|Spiro Kostof
WHEN THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE CEDED CONTROL OVER PAPACY IN 752, the Church, now protected by Franks, became a vassal of Carolingian dynasty. Charlemagne, first as king (768–814) and then Holy Roman Emperor (800–814), Popes Hadrian I Leo III joined in relatively stable alliance. Meanwhile, ties between Church Byzantine rulers unraveled mid-ninth century threats from outside invaders such Lombards Saracens increased. The Empire coexisted uneasily for more than five centuries, with emperor most often dominating. growing noble class, itself divided into ruthless factions, sometimes supported pope at other times emperor.
Cambridge University Press eBooks