<i>A Sacred Kingdom: Bishops and the Rise of Frankish Kingship, 300–850</i> by Michael Edward Moore (review)
Martin Claußen
Reviewed by: A Sacred Kingdom: Bishops and the Rise of Frankish Kingship, 300–850 by Michael Edward Moore M. A. Claussen 300–850. By Moore. [Studies in Medieval Early Modern Canon Law, Vol. 8.] (Washington, DC: The Catholic University America Press, 2011. Pp. xii, 434. $69.95. ISBN 978-0-8132-1877-9.) What if one were to write a book about small social group, using almost exclusively sources from that group? would such look like? It might argue group thus chosen was singularly important influential one, affected all aspects society. should actually be charge society, when it came closest holding position, everything optimal for everyone. Calling “return [Louis] Duchesne” (p. 13), has cast bishops late-antique Gaul Francia as his central characters, but perhaps more than renowned French church historian, is Walter Ullmann whose long shadow across every chapter. introduction sketches out major themes book—kings influenced another, Christian kingship, which believes dominated western Europe sixth century reached its apotheosis during reign Charlemagne Louis Pious, can seen royal adoption episcopal ideals had formulated late antiquity; ongoing concern Gallo-Roman episcopacy formulation canon law an “social doctrine.” this, seems mean bishops, their own law, claimed tradition they represented ancient, going back Apostles beyond; authority incontrovertible; exclusive rights protect defend holy places; land wealth various churches so assiduously collected theirs use control. first two chapters trace formation development Gaul. Drawing on work scholars Claudia Rapp, argues we take seriously claims ascetic prowess Gallic made precisely holiness imbued them with create law. He fittingly notes this new developing, at same time being defended ancient traditional. Chapters 3, 4, 5 continuing through Merovingian period. [End Page 107] throughout period, continual efforts conceptualize these went hand attempts christianize participate governance. In end, relationship between power worked saw engaged alliance partnership was, least degree, mutually advantageous. final four focus Carolingians, sees period earlier doctrine transformed into militant missionary theory called force northern Europe: under Charlemagne, example, both Saxon Avar wars “evangelical movements” (241). who some (and undisclosed) point seem have dropped practice, redirected sacralized monarchy. This process zenith seeds sown eventual catastrophe: Louis’s son Charles Bald reaped harvest, favoring ambitious powerful aristocrats over traditional Carolingian allies. best he close readings particular texts. His analysis works Ambrose Milan, Caesarius Arles Lérins authors, Pomerius, Isidore Seville, Amalarius Metz, others are always stimulating, often provocative convincing. arguments importance Visigothic Franks...
Catholic Historical Review