Sacred Kingdom

Michael Edward Moore is associate professor of medieval and European history at the University of Iowa.

“A detailed, deeply researched study of the formation of the political theology of the Frankish Kingdom from the collapse of Rome through the fragmentation of the Carolingian dynasty. Moore is even-handed throughout, and gives attention to the workings of councils, the liturgical shape of episcopal power, the various patristic sources on which Frankish bishops drew, and their development of a distinctive political vision. It is a rewarding entree into one of the formative periods of Western political theology.” —First Things “Moore’s emphasis on the role of episcopal models for royal office is both novel and engaging. His command of the secondary literature is impressive and his readings of primary sources are nuanced . . . This is a subtle, well-argued monograph that will greatly enrich our understanding of the early Middle Ages; it should be required reading for anyone interested in the religion and politics of the era.” —Journal of Ecclesiastical History “The book presents an excellent and nuanced understanding of early medieval kingship that situates it firmly in an ecclesiastical tradition stretching back to the Roman Empire. Michael Edward Moore is a legal historian at heart . . . yet this is no mere history of ecclesiastical law.” —The Historian “Will be helpful to specialists in early-medieval episcopal history, and, perhaps in its wake, a new consensus regarding the role of bishops in the long period of transformation from antiquity to the middle ages will emerge.” —Catholic Historical Review “A well-crafted tale which uses not only varied primary and secondary sources but also utilizes structures of space, symbols, language, and cult to illustrate the true roles which bishops play. It is a must read for anyone who studies the late antique/early medieval western Europe and the religious and governmental origins contained within; that it is clearly written by a widely read and careful historian makes it as enjoyable as it is instructive.” —Comitatus: A Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies