IT is known that the expedition conducted by Charles and his son Pepin made a halt of only one week at Ravenna and proceeded to Ancona, whence Pepin, by command of his father, led it through the duchy of Spoleto and invaded Benevento, while Charles, ... Read more

IT is known that the expedition conducted by Charles and his son Pepin made a halt of only one week at Ravenna and proceeded to Ancona, whence Pepin, by command of his father, led it through the duchy of Spoleto and invaded Benevento, while Charles, with whom we are now concerned, continued the journey in the direction of Rome. On the twenty-third day of November he was met at Nomentum (the modern Mentana), situated at the fourteenth mile-stone from the city, by Leo and the Roman Senate, who received him with great humility and honor. After a joint meal the pope returned to the city in order to make the necessary preparations for the reception due to the illustrious visitor, who spent the night at Nomentum. On the following day, all Rome hastened forth to greet their potent patrician; the road was lined with eager and enthusiastic multitudes, the native military, and the foreign Schools with their ensigns and standards, singing the customary lauds. The royal procession at last drew near to the venerable basilica of St. Peter, where Leo together with the hierarchy and clergy of the city awaited the king on the platform of the magnificent marble staircase. Charles dismounted and solemnly ascended the stairs; Leo received him, offered a prayer of thanksgiving, and conducted him, amid psalms of praise, into the church. . Less