Remarks on Early Medieval legal charters — The legend of “dux Ingo” and his “carta sine litteris”
Tamás Nótárí
Enea Silvio Piccolomini in his work entitled De Europa written 1458, tells an interesting story defined as a legend terms of genre about duke called Ingo, who lived during the reign Charlemagne. This narrative claims that 790 dux gentis Ingo held feast for inhabitants province where food was served to peasants allowed appear before him golden and silver bowls, while dignitaries standing further away from bowls made clay. The researchers’ attention is deservedly raised by query how come this parabolical with biblical tone included Silvio’s work; if it had been borrowed auctor might have he from. answer seems be very simple: Conversio Bagoariorum et Carantanorum drafted regarding lawsuit proceeded against Methodius. In case narrated sent charter or much rather parchment without any writing, letters on (carta sine litteris) , which provided legate sufficient authenticity demand obedience people.In study-after having compared two narratives outlined place Piccolomini’s oeuvre circumstances drafting tendencies Carantanorum-the author attempts following questions. To what extent can mentioned not questioned literature long centuries, considered real historical person? Does refer duke, does, existence introduction owing to? What could meaning carta litteris referred been, why did take item over although put forward proof Ingo’s dignity? literary prefigurations description traced back to, role play Conversio? Regarding borrowing Silvio, possible intermediary writing reckoned with?
Acta Juridica Hungarica|Repository of the Academy's Library (Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences)