December 26, 795 - Pope Leo III Elected

Roman caesars often “crowned” themselves by gaining the support of the army and other political factions. While there were kings and queens after the fall of the Roman Empire, it was not until Christmas Day, 800 AD, when Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III, that European empires began to emerge again. Leo III was elected Pope on December 26, 795, and his crowning of Charlemagne five years later began the struggle for power between the church and state that lasted for centuries. Pictured is a tapestry of Leo III crowning Charlemagne.