Question

Who is the most powerful figure in medieval European society? The pope, the king, the military because it was more powerful than both kings and popes, or neither the pope or king because the power dynamic shifted between te Church and the kings?

Answer 1

The pope was the most powerful figure of medieval European. The Unam Sanctum, a papal bull declaring moral supremacy over the rulers of Europe effectively consolidated his power. The nation state had yet to emerge so there were no large armies until the 16th century. Example: if a kingdom was excommunicated, usually the king would be disposed to gain the favor of the church again.