May I also here point out that since the Rite was probably never used twice in identically the same form in any country, and since it was thus in a continually fluid state, the ‘Recensions’ into which the rites of the different countries are here and generally divided, are to a certain extent arbitrary, and must be taken as marking periods at which the rites reached certain stages of developement? Both Dr Swete and Dr Srawley have by their criticisms added considerably to the accuracy of the book. To Dr Srawley in particular I am much indebted for his patience in the discussion of various doubtful points that arose, and also for the trouble he has taken with the proof during the passage of the book through the Press. I am indebted, too, to the Rev. Chr. Schmidt for going over my translation of the Scandinavian documents. I have to thank M. H. Omont for permission to reproduce the miniature of Nicephorus Botoniates, and Mr H. Yates Thompson for like permission in the case of the picture of St Louis. All the photographs, except of this last named picture, were made by Mr Donald Macbeth. Lastly I must express my sense of obligation to the readers and printers of the University Press for the care with which they have printed the book. R. M. W. _August 23, 1915._ CONTENTS PAGE BIBLIOGRAPHY xi CHAP. I. Early conceptions of Kingship, and religious rites in connection with a King’s accession 1 II. Ceremonies in connection with the Inauguration of a Roman Emperor in pre-Christian times. The Origin of the Christian Coronation Rite in the fifth century. The Byzantine Rite of the tenth century and its developements. The Coronation of a Russian Czar. The Abyssinian Rite 7 III. The Origin of the Rite in the West. A twofold source. The seventh-century Rite of the Consecration of a King in Spain, and the Imperial Rite of the Holy Roman Empire 32 IV. The Western Imperial Rite of the Coronation of an Emperor at Rome. The accounts of the Coronation of Charlemagne. The earliest forms and their later developements 37 V. The Coronation of a King. The Anglo-Saxon Consecration. The Rite of the so-called Pontifical of Egbert, and the developement of the English Rite 56 VI. The French Rite and its developements. The Coronation of Napoleon 91