The Concept of the Carolingian Renaissance
Garry W. Trompf
Any return to the Renaissance debate may seem somewhat futile, like proverbialfouettement d'un chat perhaps, yet it well be refreshing enter that worn battleground of historical controversy from a different angle, and begin our investigations, not in fourteenth fifteenth centuries, but eighth ninth, with Petrarch Quattrocento humanists, Northumbrian, Frankish, Italian scholars very much earlier, less civilized Europe. Traditionally, so-called Carolingian renaissance has found its embodiment none other than person Emperor Charlemagne himself, alike acclaimed as unifier West, defender Roman Church, restorer stability justice barbarian Europe, grand patron cultural artistic revival. From Charlemagne's own reign until present day, have spoken this famed ruler, culture flourishing under him, virtually same breath. Leaving aside acclamations his which were, we shall see, adulatory enough, can note nostalgia for age d'or even among public literary figures immediately succeeding generations. bone memoriae, wrote Nithard, embroiled troubles followed death, omnem Europem omni bonitate repletam reliquit.1 And memories new Davidic monarch drew out those heroic songs about brave warriors doing battle Philistines on Spanish March. The Chanson de Roland was alone medieval monument Karolus Magnus, many were legends revered Emperor, ambitious French monarchs, such Philip II (Augustus) one could think no better emulate first appointed by God leader all Latin Christendom.2 became saint; Chanson, white beard, hieratic patriarchal appearance implied supernatural role God's vice-regent Father Christendom:3
Journal of the History of Ideas