Das irische Erbe der Karolinger
Michael Richter
In the seventh century Ireland was a country with exceptionally high levels of learning in field Latin Christian studies, better apparently even than Spain. Whereas Spanish culture flourished largely within and carried elsewhere only after Arab conquest, Irish at an early stage also abroad. where scholars came from The shared their very generously; since it cultivated Latin, European Christina lingua franca, language barriers were relatively little relevance. contribution Christians to conversion peoples on continent late sixth (Columbanus) is quite well known. present article tries elaborate remarkable dynamism scholars. It seems be essential see Church Middle Ages as integral part society (cf. Kathleen Hughes, society, London 1966) take into account not that religion influenced but this likewise shaped by preexisting Ireland. respect appears relevant note prior arrival Christianity (ca. 400) had been much less disturbed neighbouring parts Europe transformation Roman world. Thus arrived which its own stable tested structures. An highly complex institution native orally for reason treated care respect. This persisted accepted Christianity; implications situation are there co-existence between two kinds undoubtedly mutual influence. Native costly, ultimately prepared pay price it. For we have contemporary documentation offers least perspectives: 1. Christianity, order find acceptance, offer something learning; 2. fact pre-Christian social institutions remained acceptance must caused problems devout zealous Christians. able live radical Columbanus others saw themselves forced leave become followers Christ foreign lands. These appear reasons effected great neighbours. Their activity exceptional way Carolingian reforms.
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