Pope Leo III (Latin: Leo III; died 12 June 816) was bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 26 December 795 to his death on 12 June 816. Protected by Charlemagne from the supporters of his predecessor, Adrian I, Leo subsequently strengthened Charlemagne's position by crowning him emperor. The coronation was not approved by most people in Constantinople, although the Byzantines, occupied with their own defenses, were in no position to offer much opposition.
Pope Leo III crowns Charles the Great (Charlemagne) Holy Roman Emperor
Pope Leo III (Latin: Leo III; died 12 June 816) was bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 26 December 795 to his death on 12 June 816.
Historical Significance
Pope Leo III (Latin: Leo III; died 12 June 816) was bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 26 December 795 to his death on 12 June 816.
Key People
Events Before
Vikings in longships from modern-day Norway plunder St. Cuthbert's monastery on Lindisfarne Island off the northeast coa
Vikings in longships from modern-day Norway plunder St. Cuthbert's monastery on Lindisfarne Island off the northeast coast of England, capturing and killing monks
Japanese Emperor Kanmu relocates the capital from Nara to Heian-kyo (now Kyoto)
Heian-kyō (平安京; lit. 'peaceful/tranquil capital') was one of several former names for the city now known as Kyoto. It was the de jure capital of Japan for over one thousand years, from 794 to 1869.
Japanese emperor Kammu deallocates residence of Nara to Kioto
Japanese emperor Kammu deallocates residence of Nara to Kioto
Leo III is elected to serve as Pope on the day his predecessor was buried and is consecrated the following day
Leo III is elected to serve as Pope on the day his predecessor was buried and is consecrated the following day
Leo III begins his reign as Pope after his election the previous day
Leo III begins his reign as Pope after his election the previous day
Events After
Empress Irene of Byzantium is driven out
Empress Irene of Byzantium is driven out
Ludger becomes the first Bishop of Münster in the Holy Roman Empire
Ludger becomes the first Bishop of Münster in the Holy Roman Empire
More from the 800s
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on December 25, 800?
- Pope Leo III (Latin: Leo III; died 12 June 816) was bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 26 December 795 to his death on 12 June 816. Protected by Charlemagne from the supporters of his predecessor, Adrian I, Leo subsequently strengthened Charlemagne's position by crowning him emperor. The coronation was not approved by most people in Constantinople, although the Byzantines, occupied with their own defenses, were in no position to offer much opposition.
- Why is Pope Leo III crowns Charles the Great (Charlemagne) Holy Roman Emperor significant?
- Pope Leo III (Latin: Leo III; died 12 June 816) was bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 26 December 795 to his death on 12 June 816.
- Who was involved in Pope Leo III crowns Charles the Great (Charlemagne) Holy Roman Emperor?
- Key figures include Charlemagne (Carolingian emperor from 800 to 814).