Medieval forgery shaped papal power for centuries
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Throughout the Middle Ages, at least ten popes referenced a forged decree called the “Donation of Constantine,” which claimed Emperor Constantine I transferred authority over Rome and western territories to Pope Sylvester I.
This document, first appearing in written form in the eighth century, served as justification for expanding papal control over the Italian peninsula and asserting dominance over other rulers. Pope Adrian I cited the document in 778 when writing to Charlemagne, hoping to gain land and recognition.
Later, in 1054, Pope Leo IX formally invoked the Donation during a split within the church, provoking criticism from the Byzantine Empire. The forged decree influenced cultural works like Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy” in the 14th century, where the poet condemned Pope Nicholas III for prioritizing temporal power. By the Renaissance, scholars began to question the document’s authenticity.
Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa publicly speculated it was a forgery in 1433, and Lorenzo Valla later published a detailed essay in 1440, arguing the document contained anachronistic language and lacked contemporary support. Valla’s work, praised by other humanists like Desiderius Erasmus, ultimately led to its widespread acceptance as a falsification by the 17th century, demonstrating a willingness to critically examine even established church practices.
