Document Type
Honors Project
Abstract
When did Roman imperial iconography become part of the position of pope? This thesis will highlight the eighth century as a time of notable change in papal authority and identity. The developing papacy — in competition with rival contenders for Rome’s past — produced two key documents that portrayed the pope as an inheritor of the Roman Empire. In these sources, the bishop of Rome took on an entirely new identity as an imperator novus. While the eighth century continued, the pope gradually appeared increasingly imperial, concluding with a coronation that crowned emperor and pope, alike.
Recommended Citation
Elsenpeter, Henry R., "Imperator Novus: Charting the transfer of Rome’s imperial past to the papacy’s eighth century present" (2022). Classical Mediterranean and Middle East Honors Projects. 29.
https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/classics_honors/29
Included in
Ancient History, Greek and Roman through Late Antiquity Commons, Medieval Studies Commons
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Comments
Thank you, Professor Beth Severy-Hoven. I appreciate the great advice at our weekly meetings, reviewing multiple drafts, and being profoundly knowledgeable on such a wide range of topics.