The Royal Frankish Annals

The Royal Frankish Annals

Bishop Burchard of Wurzburg and the chaplain Fulrad approached Pope Zacharias and questioned whether the Frankish kings should possess royal power. Pepin was then commanded by virtue of Pope Zacharias' apostolic authority to be made king of the Franks in the city of Soissons.

This episode in the Royal Frankish Annals is a great example that shows the growing importance of Christianity and religion during the early Medieval Ages. Pope Zacharias appointed Pepin to be king because he wanted to "avoid turning the country upside down." According to the custom of the Franks, Pepin was anointed by the Archbishop Boniface. In a later episode, Pope Stephen requested that King Pepin defend the pope and the Roman Church against the Lombards. Upon King Pepin's acceptance, Pope Stephen confirmed Pepin as king and anointed his two sons, Charles and Carloman. For the next several episodes, King Pepin's main focus was to embark on campaigns, seeking protection for members of the Church. This shows a deep connection between battle, religion, and kingship. During the Medieval Ages, Kings fought in wars to either protect something