“Like the Army of God’s Camp”: Political Theology and Apocalyptic Warfare at Charlemagne’s Court
Mary Alberi
The political theology of Charlemagne’s court drew upon theological concepts to interpret contemporary events and fashion an identity for the populus christianus Frankish empire. formulation this occurred against a background military crises. A number sources written by his ecclesiastical courtiers refer castra Dei, militant ecclesia, or “assembly God’s people,” commanded Charlemagne, on pilgrimage through dangerous last days world history. These apocalyptic dangers called enhanced royal authority defend Dei program correction. Correction supported consensus among king lay magnates, stabilizing kingdom internally. also established “liturgical frontiers” separating orderly peaceful from world’s chaotic paganism heresy. This attempt distinguish its spiritual enemies gave empire coherence in conflicts with over contested frontier zones. rhetoric surrounding references was connected necessity, rather than expectation imminent apocalypse.
Viator