RENBAVDVS

Office of the Groom.

Symbolic gesture in which a head of state holds the stirrup of the pope in a submission homage. It originated from the forged Donation of Constantine where the Roman Emperor held the bridle of the then pope. In 1095, Urban II used it to get King Conrad, son of Emperor Henri VI, to support him against his father. Conrad dutifully performed the Office and thus submitted to the pope’s authority.

Tags: 1095, Donation of Constantine, Jean-Philippe Touzeau, King Conrad, Middle Ages, Office of the Groom, Renbaudus, Stratoris Officium

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