What leaders and events of the Middle Ages made kings and popes powerful?

Charlemagne declares himself King of the Lombards

774

At the request of the Pope, Charlemagne conquered the Italian Kingdom of the Lombards. Afterwards he did something unprecedented and declared himself as their ruler, further increasing his power.

Leo III crowns Charlemagne Holy Roman Emperor

800

Charlemagne made Pope Leo III crown him Holy Roman Emperor so that his rule over Rome would be backed by the power of the Papacy.

Otto I becomes Holy Roman Emperor

962

Otto I was crowned emperor by the Pope. This cemented idea of the Holy Roman Empire, and gave Otto power over the Holy Roman Empire even after Charlemagne's bloodline no longer ruled it.

Expansion of cathedral schools

1000

The Church started to use cathedral schools to educate both future priests as well as bureaucrats and merchants. This meant that Church had power over the only source of education.

King Philip I of France

1060

Kings Philip I created a more centralized French government. He employed royal judges who answered to him, giving him power over the courts.

Pope Urban II calls for a crusade

1095

Pope Urban II delivered a sermon that called for a holy war to aid fellow Christians and take control of Jerusalem. This meant that Popes had the power to declare war by promising soldiers forgiveness if they participated in addition to loot and land.

Pope Alexander III

1171

Pope Alexander III authorized the Northern Crusades In 1171. They were much more successful than the other crusades, meaning the Pope still had the power to organize successful campaigns.

King Philip IV of France

1285

King Philip IV managed to take almost complete control over the French Church. This gave the King access to the church's power and influence.

Pope Clement V

1305

Pope Clement V, a Frenchman with ties to the nobility, was elected Pope with the support of King Philip IV. This gave French kings significant influence over the papacy in Rome.

King Edward III starts the 100 Years' War

1337

The 100 Years' War started because of disputes over who should be crowed King of England. It also demonstrated the military power controlled by both kingdoms.

Summary

1400

The leaders and events that gave kings and popes more power were those that gave them more control. The popes became more powerful after gaining control over military forces, education, and governments. Kingdoms gained control over their military and bureaucracy. At some points, Kings became powerful enough to control the church and popes themselves.