Apparently Charlemagne never said “Let my armies be the rocks and the trees and the birds in the sky” as suggested by Sean Connery in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. But he was the first Holy Roman Emperor. Pope Leo III (reigned 795–816) is best known for his significant role in the Carolingian Empire and his dramatic relationship with Charlemagne, which culminated in the coronation of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor on Christmas Day in the year 800. However, Leo’s papacy was marred by accusations of various crimes and scandals, which nearly led to his downfall.
The allegations against Leo III originated from his political enemies within Rome, particularly factions loyal to his predecessor, Pope Adrian I. These rivals viewed Leo’s election as illegitimate and sought to discredit him. The most significant charges came to a head in April 799 when Leo was ambushed in Rome by a mob of conspirators led by two high-ranking clerics, Paschal, the Primicerius of the notaries, and Campulus, the Sacellarius (treasurer). They accused Leo of serious moral transgressions, including perjury and adultery. These accusations, however, were not substantiated with clear evidence and seemed politically motivated, aimed at removing Leo from power.
The mob attacked Leo, attempting to blind him and cut out his tongue—standard punishments for those convicted of perjury in that era. However, Leo miraculously escaped with his sight and speech intact, allegedly due to divine intervention. He sought refuge with Charlemagne, who was in Paderborn, in the Frankish Kingdom. This dramatic escape underscored the volatile political climate in Rome and the vulnerability of the papal position.
Charlemagne agreed to support Leo, seeing an opportunity to consolidate his influence over the Church. On 23rd November 800, Charlemagne escorted Leo back to Rome, where the Pope was restored to his position. In a strategic move, Charlemagne summoned a council to investigate the allegations against Leo. However, the council, largely controlled by Charlemagne, did not pass judgment on the Pope. Instead, Leo swore an oath of purgation on December 23, 800, publicly declaring his innocence. This unusual act, rather than a formal trial, was enough to clear him of the charges.
The following days saw Charlemagne’s coronation as Emperor, marking the beginning of the Holy Roman Empire—a significant shift in the balance of power in medieval Europe. The alliance between Leo and Charlemagne thus strengthened the position of the papacy but also underscored the political entanglements of the Church. One of the great achievements of the Holy Roman Empire was the Thurn and Taxis postal service. In the Sir Anthony Standen Adventues, Sir Anthony makes great use of Thurn and Taxis.