Kings vs Popes

In Medieval times power was held in two main parties. The Kings and the Popes. Both parties wanted more power and often fought.

Kings

Most of Europe was divided into small states. These states were ruled by Kings who held political power. The Kings kept balance and order in their state with military, while always trying to gain more power. In trying to gain more power, the Kings had to fight with the Popes. One fight was the right to choose bishops. A King wanted to be able to select the bishops in his state. They fought through words and eventually the King was excommunicated, or cast out of the church. After three days of the King standing barefoot in the snow, the Pope accepted his apology. The Pope had won.



http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pRicbb6kPU0/R1L25dGDL9I/AAAAAAAAA00/mYBFfCWEDwE/S300/crown_1_lg.gif

---

Popes

The Pope was a strong leader in Medieval times. Not only did he have great religious power, but he also had great political power. The Pope was seen as Gods representative on Earth. Because of this, the Pope had the power of punishment to people against the church, as well being able to live like royalty. Popes became rich and built huge palaces. They also often fought with the Kings for power. For instance there was one king who wanted the right to choose his bishop. The Pope won this verbal battle, the argument continued long after his life time.

For more info on the bishop conflict see kings at the top of the page.


http://www.sunday-school-ideas-for-new-teachers.com/image-files/cross-template.jpg 

---