Unit 1 "Innocent Saves his Realm"

Author

American Editor Oliver Thatcher 

Born in 1827

Medieval historian and the editor of the multi-volume series of source material called the Library of Original Sources. He also edited the source material known as “A Source Book for Mediaeval History. Selected Documents.”

Speaker 

Pope Innocent III (1160 A.D. - 1216 A.D.)

One of the greatest popes known in Christian history. He is used as the main judge and final jury for a court towards a noble that has a quarrell towards John, King of England.

Background

This was a jury during the Victorian Era specifically under the rule of John, King of England ( 6th of April, 1199 till 19 October 1216). This was after the quarrel between the church and crown.

Summary

The whole entire document was a written description of Pope Innocent’s Acknowledgment of John’s the title of divine majesty. He states that the quarrel between any party that thinks ill of the king must end. Things like confederacy and conspiracy against the king must end. If any ill behavior against the king is made. Then they risk being excommunicated by the pope. He ends his decree with wishing that all those who is against the king, they must follow the king's order and wishes. As a return for their loyalty, John will be lenient and graciously grant them petition. Alongside with a promise of protection and support to those who follows and in trade for their loyalty.

Quotes 

“By our apostolic authority we hereby dissolve all conspiracy and confederacy that had been made since the quarrel between the crown and church began, and forbid them under the threat of excommunication”

“We ask and beseech the king in the lord that commanded him, in order to obtain forgiveness of his sins, to treat you leniently, and graciously to grant you petitions.”

“We order you to endeavor by clear proofs of humility and devotion to placate you king and to win his favor  rendering him those customary services high you and your ancestors have paid to him and his predecessors.”