Alexander III
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: Middle Ages
- Categories: Religion, Ethics, Law, Legal History, Courts
- Subcategories: Christianity, Christians, Churches, Empires, Dynasties, Holy Roman Empire, Catholic Church, Catholics, Popes, Papacy, Cardinals
- Curriculum: Italian History, Medieval History/Middle Ages
Article abstract: Despite decades of controversy, through patience, moderation, and practicality, Alexander III established administrative and legal reforms that strengthened the papal monarchy and contributed to the development of canon law.
Early Life
Roland Bandinelli, the future Alexander III, pope from 1159 to 1181, was born early in the twelfth century in Siena, Italy. Although little is known of his early years, his family, probably descended from a French émigré of the previous century, was prominent in city affairs. The earliest substantiated...
[The entire page is 2329 words long]