There are (at least) two different groups using this name:

1) Estamp… Read Full Bio ↴There are (at least) two different groups using this name:

1) Estampie is a medieval folk band from Germany, founded in 1985 by Syrah (Sigrid Hausen), Michael Popp, and Ernst Schwindl. The band took their name from a medieval dance. Estampie use a wide range of traditional instruments, including hammered dulcimers and various woodwind and stringed instruments. They write music in a primarily medieval style, but include some modern influences from pop, minimalism, and various traditions.

2) Estampie is a British early music ensemble led by Graham Derrick, specialising in lively secular music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, founded in 1983.

Imperator rex graecorum
Estampie Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Imperator rex Graecorum,
Minas spernens paganorum,
Auro sumpto thesaurorum
Parat sumptus armatorum
Ayos o theos athanathos,
Ysma sather yskyros!
Miserere kyrios,
Salva tuos famulos!

Almaricus miles fortis,
Rex communis nostre sortis,
In Egypto fractis portis
Turcos siravit dire mortis.

Ayos o theos...

Omnis ergo Christianus
Ad Egyptum tendat manus!
Semper ibi degat sanus,
Destruatur rex paganus!

Ayos o theos...

Overall Meaning

The song "Imperator rex Graecorum" by Estampie is a celebration of the triumph of Christianity over paganism, particularly in the context of the Byzantine Empire's fight against the Muslim inhabitants of Egypt. The song begins by praising the Emperor of the Greeks, who disregards the threats of pagans and instead spends his riches on his armies. The refrain "Ayos o theos athanathos, Ysma sather yskyros! Miserere kyrios, Salva tuos famulos!" (Holy immortal God, powerful and strong! Have mercy, Lord, and save your servants!) calls for divine assistance in the war.

The second verse introduces a brave knight named Almaricus, who fought against the Turks and their leader in Egypt, shattering the enemy's gates and bringing death upon them. The final verse is a call to all Christians to join the fight and to remain in Egypt until the pagan king has been defeated. The song's theme of triumph over non-Christian beliefs reflects the religious mindset of many people during the time period, when the Church held significant influence over politics and warfare.

Line by Line Meaning

Imperator rex Graecorum,
The Emperor and King of Greece,

Minas spernens paganorum,
Disdaining the threats of pagans,

Auro sumpto thesaurorum,
Having taken treasure of gold,

Parat sumptus armatorum
Prepares the expenses of his armies

Ayos o theos athanathos,
Hail, the eternal God,

Ysma sather yskyros!
Strengthen the shield of the people!

Miserere kyrios,
Lord, have mercy,

Salva tuos famulos!
Save your servants!

Almaricus miles fortis,
Almaricus, the brave soldier,

Rex communis nostre sortis,
The common king of our lot,

In Egypto fractis portis
In Egypt, where the gates have been broken,