Military Chaplains and the Religion of War in Ottonian Germany, 919–1024
David S. Bachrach
Abstract The Ottonian kings of Germany (919–1024) inherited from their Carolingian predecessors a tripartite system pastoral care for the army. At most basic level, provided chaplains to soldiers hear confessions before battle. army-wide priests and bishops serving with army celebrated intercessory masses gain divine favour army, preached in order encourage bravery face battle carried sacred relics onto field. Finally, also helped mobilise ‘home front’ on behalf by leading population as whole prayers, well fasts other acts penitence that were intended God's fighting men.
Religion, state & society