Western Civ, Week 28

Based on the video lessons and your reading, what were the reasons behind the conflicts between the emperors and the popes during this period?


The emperors were desperate and thirsty for control, as evidenced by the numerous approaches they took to achieve it. Ultimately, domination was all they cared about, and they stopped at nothing for success. Whether they were annexing cash or increasing their empire, this was their constant obsession. They wanted to administer the Holy Roman Empire like monarchs did in primeval times. Naturally, this created problems with the papacy, who desired autonomy in their church. It was irritating to them, when the compulsive, power-hungry rulers interfered with papal affairs. A classic illustration of this can be found in the case of Frederick Barbarossa.  His regime took place during the feudal( or primitive) era, a season of political fragmentation. Lords had equal or even more freedom for oversight than the king. Frederick didn't approve of such a system, and struggled to find a way to change it. 

He endeavored to attain supremacy of the Italian cities of Lombardy. to compete with the wealthy lords. But this plan was ineffective, as Lombardy's citizens coveted sovereignty. They conspired with Pope Alexander III, to construct the Lombard League. Frederick Barbarossa was furious and went on a rampage, setting fire to the cities of Milan. He had the backing of those who were inclined to listen to him, the anti-popes. They hadn't been elected properly, that is by the Church of Cardinals. (So, therefore they weren't really legitimate pontiffs.) But they had pledged to fulfill Frederick's wishes. 

He was very violent and threatening in his pursuits, when it came to the eminent removal of Alexander II. Terror was the potent technique he used. Any inhabitant who wouldn't reject Alexander's authority was instantly deported and their belongings impounded! Alas, it would be a trying, bitter fight, before the Lombard League prevailed. Only then did the stubborn, obstinate Frederick give up and admit to the pope's command.

The contending that occurred between the papacy and the monarchy was actually a good thing,however. They balanced each other out, by creating borderlines to stifle the others supremacy.