Shifting Strengths of the Eighth Century In 755, Aistulf, King of Lombard, invaded the lands donated to the papacy by the Franks. This assault prompted Pope Stephen II to write multiple letters to the king of the Franks, King Pippin III, requesting help against Aistulf and his troops. In these letters, Pope Stephen II claims powers that were previously held by the Roman Emperor. In this paper, I elucidate that these letters show the shifting of the strength from the Byzantine Empire to that of the Pope and to that of the Frankish Kingdom. In his first letter, Pope Stephen addresses King Pippin and his sons, Charles and Carloman, as “Patricians of the Romans” thereby claiming the right to bestow that title upon whomever the Pope wishes; formerly,
…show more content…
Pope Stephen II writes “believe with all certainty, most Christian one, that if some perilous disaster shall befall us – may it not happen – you, of all people, protected by God, and most beloved to us, will be destined to give account before the tribunal of God” (p. 132). This text shows that Pope Stephen II is putting all faith in King Pippin and only King Pippin in an attempt to leverage him to come to the Pope’s aid. Additionally, the frequency of the letters shows how desperate Pope Stephen II was to receive aid. Urgency of such magnitude would generally dictate for the leader to receive help from any available power; however, it appears that Pope Stephen II does not request aid from the Byzantine Empire nor any other kingdom. Pope Stephen can be assumed to have thought that the Byzantine Empire is not capable of protecting Rome, or they will not protect Rome, further diminishing the power of the Byzantine Empire. Throughout the letters, Pope Stephen II claims the power of Rome and does not make mention of the Byzantine Empire further separating the Byzantine Empire from its former strength and lineage. Additionally, Pope Stephen II bestows and claims titles which were previously given only by the emperor of Rome upon King Pippin and his sons. In his desperate situation, Pope Stephen II shifts much of the power to King Pippin and the Franks and by doing so himself hoping that the Franks will save the Pope and his territories from Aistulf’s
Pope Stephen II writes “believe with all certainty, most Christian one, that if some perilous disaster shall befall us – may it not happen – you, of all people, protected by God, and most beloved to us, will be destined to give account before the tribunal of God” (p. 132). This text shows that Pope Stephen II is putting all faith in King Pippin and only King Pippin in an attempt to leverage him to come to the Pope’s aid. Additionally, the frequency of the letters shows how desperate Pope Stephen II was to receive aid. Urgency of such magnitude would generally dictate for the leader to receive help from any available power; however, it appears that Pope Stephen II does not request aid from the Byzantine Empire nor any other kingdom. Pope Stephen can be assumed to have thought that the Byzantine Empire is not capable of protecting Rome, or they will not protect Rome, further diminishing the power of the Byzantine Empire. Throughout the letters, Pope Stephen II claims the power of Rome and does not make mention of the Byzantine Empire further separating the Byzantine Empire from its former strength and lineage. Additionally, Pope Stephen II bestows and claims titles which were previously given only by the emperor of Rome upon King Pippin and his sons. In his desperate situation, Pope Stephen II shifts much of the power to King Pippin and the Franks and by doing so himself hoping that the Franks will save the Pope and his territories from Aistulf’s