Belief and culture
Marios Costambeys|Matthew Innes|Simon MacLean
In the first two chapters we have made regular references to Christian character of Frankish court, which acted as a powerful patron associated with founding monasteries, patronage holy men and intellectuals, production standardisation religious texts. Well before end eighth century, where left Charlemagne demanding comprehensive oaths loyalty from his elite male subjects, indeed anointing 753–4, kingship itself was conceived an office responsibilities. Christianity part very identity Franks, who increasingly came see themselves people chosen by God, thus define in distinction non- imperfectly peoples that surrounded them. These ideologies played Franks’ justifications each other their conquests. As victorious Carolingian armies withdrew they were often – seen replaced missionaries, charged winning hearts souls conquered, establishing obedience Church (and, therefore, empire). Even if find it be outlandish or distasteful, should not surprised kings thought moral responsibility save those under dominion, nor write this off posturing designed justify territorial expansion after all, given long decades virtually unblemished military success, how could believe doing God's work? themes represent central aspects politics society been touched on earlier book, but take centre stage chapter here hope explain mentalities intellectual attitudes informed actions involved high previous chapter.
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