Holy warriors and bellicose bishops: The church and warfare in early medieval Germany
Nicholas Edward Friend
HOLY WARRIORS AND BELLICOSE BISHOPS: THE CHURCH WARFARE IN EARLY MEDIEVAL GERMANY By Nicholas E. Friend The Frankish kingdoms of the early Middle Ages were inheritors both Germanic warrior culture and Christian institutions late Roman Empire. Under Charlemagne, Franks conquered most Western Europe by ninth century established a new empire their own. To do so, they had to reconcile doctrine peace with necessity killing enemy during war. This was especially challenging for highest ranks clergy. Though forbidden canon law commit violence, bishops abbots responsible defending property people in jurisdictions. pious Carolingian kings endowed Church more but required service land-holding prelates exchange, which included providing troops royal army and, frequently, leading those themselves. time Ottonians (919-1024), rulers East kingdom that developed into medieval German empire, participation war become institutionalized. Even opinions within remained divided on morality clerics taking an active part combat. context Ottonian rule complex relationship between emperors ecclesiastical magnates are examined this study. is followed analysis primary narrative sources from period. textual evidence shows range held clerical authors extent prelates’ military roles allows conclusion be formed as how common phenomenon “warrior bishop” actually was.