A. describe what was the relationship between Charlemagne and the pope like?
The relationship between Charlemagne and the pope was not at conflicted, as the French king understood the role of church and the pope in the realms, and so he promoted and actively get involved with reforms that would result in more power for the church. Moreover, he was coronated by the pope, and by doing so he recognized the pope's authority above his own.
b. contrast how did the opinions of popes like Gregory vii about power differ from those of kings like Henry iv?
The main conflict between these point of view was on the role of the church as an authority for secular purposes. Some would believe that the foundation of power came from God, so the church had to be involved in the process of government and choice of new kings, while others believed that the right to govern was a matter of power passed generation by generation, from father to son, excluding the church in the process
c. evaluate do you think conflict with kings strengthened or weakened medieval popes?
I think that conflict with kings gradually weakened medieval popes, as in the begin the conflict was very contained, where at the end of the middle age the conflict was influencing in a big way the politics and the stability of Europe, so in time this conflict weakened medieval popes.
why?
Because it undermined the authority of the church and promoted the idea that secular and religious power were two different things, while the church was much anchored on the idea the two forms of power were the same and so it was under the church choice who would have to govern, while with this conflict the church only had to approve, but had no more active role.
a. identify what was the main goal of the crusades?
at the begin, the crusades were used as a tool to send knights that were around Europe causing various problems, but in time they become a way to take back the sacred places where Christianity was born, while they were under the control of non-christian people. The goal was to reclaim authority and power over those territories.
b. draw conclusions why do you think the crusades changed the relationships between Christians and other groups?
Before the crusades, the relationship between Christians and other groups were simple and positive, while the conflict had brought inside hostility, suspicion and a general loss of trust between the various group. Moreover, after the crusades, Christianity become more careful of what it was perceived as different.
c. evaluate which crusade do you think was most successful?
The first one. It was a surprise and the goal of the conflict was mostly achieved: many of the crusades after this were taken in order to reclaim territories conquered during this time. The crusade was also very successful as it brought a new prospect of the economy in Europe and contribute in a significant way to the wealth of the region.
which was least successful?
The third one. The goal was not achieved, Saladin was a superb commander that achieved everything he wanted, moreover, the loss of life on both sides was terrible and since the third one, it is possible to argue that the conflict was substantially win by the other groups. Only the battle of Hattin was enough to declare this crusade a lost cause.
