Crescentius the Elder facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Crescenzio de Theodora
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Coat of Arms of Crescenzi family.
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| Born | ? |
| Died | 7 July 984 Rome, Papal States
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| Known for | Roman patrician |
| Children | John Crescentius Crescentius the Younger |
| Family | Crescentii |
Crescentius the Elder, also known as Crescenzio de Theodora, was an important politician and powerful noble in Rome. He lived a long time ago, dying on July 7, 984. He played a big role in choosing who would become the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church.
Contents
A Powerful Roman Family
After the Carolingian family lost its power, the government in Rome became less stable. The people of Rome started to manage things themselves. A very strong family, called the Crescentii, became very important.
This family took charge of many government tasks in Rome. They also had a lot of say in who would become the Pope. They held this power for many years. Crescentius the Elder was part of this powerful family. He was the grandson of Theodora, who was the daughter of Theophylact I, Count of Tusculum. Theophylact was a high-ranking official in the Pope's government.
Crescentius and Pope Benedict VI
Crescentius was first mentioned in history in 963. He was one of the nobles at a big meeting in Rome. This meeting removed Pope John XII from his position. This happened because the Holy Roman Emperor Otto I wanted it. At this time, Crescentius seemed to support the Emperor.
In 974, Crescentius became more involved in Roman politics. When Pope John XIII died, Emperor Otto I chose the next Pope, Benedict VI. The people of Rome were not happy that the Emperor kept interfering. They wanted to choose their own Pope.
After Emperor Otto I died, his son Otto II became Emperor. Otto II was busy with wars. This was a chance for the Romans to rebel against the Emperor's control. Crescentius led this rebellion. Pope Benedict VI was removed from his position and put in a prison called the Castel Sant'Angelo. He died there in July 974.
Pope Boniface VII's Return
After Benedict VI, a Roman deacon named Franco was chosen as Pope. He became Boniface VII. The Emperor's messenger, Sicco, tried to stop this, but he couldn't. The Romans wanted their own Pope.
However, the Emperor's supporters soon gained control again. Pope Boniface VII had to run away to Constantinople. Benedict VII was then chosen as Pope. Crescentius disappeared from public life for a while.
Crescentius likely helped Boniface VII return to power in 984. After Emperor Otto II died in December 983, the group against the Emperor felt it was time to act. In April 984, Boniface VII came back from Constantinople. He took control of Rome again. Pope John XIV, who had been chosen by Emperor Otto II, was put in Castel Sant'Angelo. He died there a few months later. Boniface VII ruled as Pope again until his death in July 985.
Crescentius's Later Life
Towards the end of his life, Crescentius became a monk at the monastery of St. Alexius. This monastery was on the Aventine Hill in Rome. He died there on July 7, 984. He was buried inside the monastery's cloister, which is a covered walkway. You can still see the words on his tomb today.
See also
- Crescentii
- Counts of Tusculum
