The Medieval Papacy

by Brett Edward Whalen

During the Middle Ages, the popes of Rome claimed both spiritual authority and worldly powers, vying with emperors for supremacy, ruling over the Papal States, and legislating the norms of Christian society. They also faced profound challenges to their proclaimed primacy over Christendom.

The Medieval Papacy explores the unique role that the Roman Church and its papal leadership played in the historical development of medieval Europe. Brett Edward Whalen pays special attention to the religious, intellectual and political significance of the papacy from the first century through to the Reformation in the sixteenth century.

Ideal for students, scholars and general readers alike, this approachable survey helps us to understand the origins of an idea and institution that continue to shape our modern world.

Genres: History, Medieval History, School

227 pages, Paperback

First published November 22, 2013

Reviews

[Marks54 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well done and focused monograph on the central role of the Papacy in the historical evolution of what came to be modern Europe from around the adoption of Christianity in the Roman Empire under Constantine until the Reformation and the growth of modern nation states. I do not envy the author’s task in that the influence of the Papacy is huge across an immense span of geography and historical events. This book has highlights in focusing on specific topics such as the initial spread of Christianity, its growth under empire, as well as the flowering of the Papacy in the time of the Crusades and the high Middle Ages. This book is likely targeted as a supplement for a richer and full course on Medieval Europe, but there is a nice list of additional readings in case one is interested.

[Ryan Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction to the medieval papacy that finds a good balance between institutional, intellectual, and biographical history.