Description of the Arts

actually occurred in deed, and is accepted by many as a known fact. However—both because of the person who handed over such a Realm or Empire, namely the Pope, and because of those who received it (being of French blood and not of German blood), and those who reached an agreement regarding it, such as the Empress Irene of Constantinople Irene of Athens (r. 797–802), the first woman to rule the Byzantine Empire in her own right; her reign was used by the Papacy as a justification to declare the Imperial throne vacant and crown Charlemagne—various doubtful opinions have arisen. Therefore, we wish in this chapter to prove fully and sufficiently that this Roman Imperial dignity and Monarchy was first brought forth by the highly praiseworthy German Nation and has been permanently bestowed upon the same. Alongside this, we shall also clear away all doubtful interjections.

Indeed, some are found who elevate the power and preeminence original: Praeminens; meaning superior authority or status of the Roman Pope, not only over all other bishops of Christendom but also over all Christian kings and potentates, in both secular and spiritual matters. Out of blind affection for the Roman Church and great envy against the opposing party and those of the contrary religion Maier refers here to the religious tensions of the Reformation, where Catholic and Protestant scholars debated the legal origins of the Emperor's power, they allow themselves to be led to the conclusion that the entire Roman Imperial government and Monarchy stood in the power and hands of the Roman Pope, and was therefore bestowed upon Charlemagne original: Carolum Magnum out of great generosity by