05 Politics and Influence

            Becket’s sainthood was not only important in strengthening the laity’s relationship with its religion, but bolstering the Church’s political power. In the years leading up to Becket’s assassination, King Henry II had attempted to extend his jurisdiction into papal affairs. With Becket dead from what appeared to be Henry’s orders, and endless accounts of miracles to confirm his saintliness, the royal court was forced to concede many of its rights to the Church to save its already damaged image. [21]

            Correctio, the use of relics as shows of institutional power was common in Medieval Europe, [22] and many rulers competed to collect relics of the most influential religious figures. Emperor Otto I (r. 962 - 973), for example, inherited the Holy Lance from his predecessor, Emperor Henry I. Otto wielded the Lance in the Battle of Birten (939), attesting his victory over Duke Eberhard to the relic's holy power, and used it to legitimize his invasions of Hungary. [23]

            However, the most avid collector of relics was Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne (r. 800 - 814). He practiced the ancient art of gift-giving, distributing relics to instill loyalty in his courtiers. He also used relics as bribes in diplomatic affairs. In 663, he sent relics of saints Peter, Paul, and Lawrence to the Synod of Whitby to successfully persuade them to accept papal authority. [24]

21. Freeman, Charles. Page 6.

22. Freeman, Charles. Page 71.

23. Bagnoli, Martina, and Holger A. Klein. Pages 60-61.

24. Freeman, Charles. Pages 73-74.