Unauthorised miracles in mid-ninth-century Dijon and the Carolingian church reforms
Charles West
Abstract In the early 840s, Archbishop Amolo of Lyons wrote to one his suffragan bishops about extraordinary miracles reportedly taking place at Dijon in wake arrival mysterious new relics. Re-examining complex interaction these relics with pre-existing social and political processes region locally, this article also explores other aspects Amolo’s letter which have been less discussed, notably its manuscript transmission insights it offers into structures religious organisation. Finally, argues that way issues treated together tend be separated or even opposed historiography points need for renewed, critically reflexive attention specificities Carolingian church reforms. Keywords: RelicsParishDijonCarolingian churchAmolo Acknowledgements I am grateful audiences conferences Leeds, Cambridge Sheffield, where earlier drafts paper were read; Miriam Czock, Tom Faulkner, Emma Hunter, Matthew Innes, Simon Loseby, Rosamond McKitterick, Mark Stephenson, Rachel Stone their comments suggestions; anonymous reviewers journal; 2008–9 class HST 2018, whose interest encouraged me investigate further. Notes 1 Letter Theobald, ed. E. Dümmler, in: Epistolae Karolini Aevi 3 (Monumenta Germaniae Historica [hereafter MGH] (in quarto) 5, Berlin, 1899), 363–8. A full English translation is available on internet <http://history.dept.shef.ac.uk/translations/medieval/amolo/>; accessed 20 September 2010. 2 On fundamental Christian ambivalence towards miracles, see M. van Uytfanghe, ‘La Controverse biblique et patristique autour du miracle, ses répercussions sur l’hagiographie dans l’antiquité tardive le haut moyen âge latin’ Hagiographie, cultures sociétés, IVe–XIIe siècles, actes colloque organisé à Nanterre Paris 12–5 mai 1979 (Paris 1981), 205–33. S. Justice, ‘Did middle ages believe miracles?’, Representations, 103 (2008), 1–29, discusses methodological problems involved studying miraculous. P.-A. Sigal, L’Homme miracle la France médiévale (XIe–XIIe siècles) (Paris, 1985) a concrete study, including typology though book firmly focused post-Carolingian age. Agobard, ‘De quorundam inlusione signorum’, 3, 206–10, alternatively Agobardi Lugdunensis opera omnia, L. Acker (Corpus Christianorum Continuatio Mediaevalis CCCM] 52, Turnhout, 237–43. 4 It tempting associate those Apollinaris Ravenna, later housed two miles outside belonged St-Bénigne, recorded by an eleventh- twelfth-century St-Bénigne monk: ‘Miracula sancti territorio Divionensi Burgundia’ (Bibliotheca Hagiographica Latina, no. 627), Acta sanctorum quotquot toto orbe coluntur, Jean Bollandus others, 67 vols (Antwerp, 1643–present; edn Brussels, 1868–1925), 5 July, 352–8. This tradition claims they brought Merovingian queen, but first are tenth-century, there no reference cult. Flodoard, Historia Remensis ecclesiae HRE], Stratmann (MGH Scriptores 36, Hanover, 1998), records lost Hincmar Rheims bishop Troyes similar theme, 316. For Bishop Erchanbert Freising’s decision arrange three-day fast as means testing newly-arrived late 830s, letter, 338. 6 The exemplary use P. Geary, Furta sacra. Thefts central (Princeton, 1978), 31, introduces chapter Carolingians. mentioned, too, J. Smith, ‘The problem female sanctity Europe c.780–920’, Past Present, 146 (1995), 3–37 (35). touched Rouche, ‘Miracles, maladies psychologie de foi l’époque carolingienne en Francie’, 319–37. 7 popularity general, ‘“Emending evil ways praising God’s omnipotence”: Einhard uses Roman martyrs’, Conversion antiquity ages. Seeing believing, K. Mills A. Grafton (Rochester, 2003), 189–223. particular, Smith ‘Old saints, relics’, Early medieval Rome west. Essays honour Donald Bullough, (Leiden, 2000), 317–39. More generally, H. Röckelein, ‘Über Hagio-Geo-Graphien: Mirakel Translationsberichten des 8. und 9. Jahrhunderts’, im Mittelalter. Konzeptionen, Erscheinungsformen, Deutungen, Heinzelmann, Herbers D.R. Bauer (Beiträge zur Hagiographie Stuttgart, 2002), 166–79; McCulloh, ‘From ages: continuity change papal relic policy from sixth eighth Century’, Pietas. Festschrift für Bernhard Kötting, Dassmann Frank (Münster, 1980), 313–24; most recently, work G. Heydemann, example ‘Text Translation. Strategien Mobilisierung spiritueller Ressourcen Frankenreich Ludwigs Frommen’, Zwischen Niederschrift Wiederschrift. Frühmittelalterliche Historiographie Spannungsfeld von Kompendienüberlieferung Editionstechnik, R. Corradini, Diesenberger Niederkorn-Bruck (Forschungen Geschichte Mittelalters 15, Vienna, 2009), 291–326. 8 An argument made forcefully sacra, expanded sanctity’, especially 4: era forms interlude history sainthood, charismatic ascetics, healers, prophets visionaries mark implacably hostile any such form expression.’ rarity holy men world was noted P.Riché, ‘Les Carolingiens quête sainteté’, Les Fonctions saints monde occidental (Collection l’École française 149, Rome, 1991), 217–24. Vauchez, Sainthood (Cambridge, 2005), overarching introduction general field. 9 Nor matter has author, who altogether rather obscure figure, Lupus Ferrières corresponded him, he friends Eberhard Friuli. what known, Heil, ‘Agobard, Amolo, das Kirchengut die Juden Lyon’, Francia, 25 (1998), 39–76. 10 ‘Carolingian government’, Charlemagne: empire society, Story (Manchester, 71–88. framework much recent research set out settlement disputes Europe, W. Davies Fouracre 1992). more discussion, Staat frühen Mittelalter, Pohl, Reimitz Airlie (Vienna, 2006), particularly Airlie’s aristocracy service state’, 93–112, essays collected Der frühmittelalterliche — Europäische Perspektiven, Pohl V. Wiesner 2009). 11 Nithard. Histoire fils Louis Pieux, trans. Lauer 1926), 87–9. 12 See Nelson, Charles Bald (London, 1992), 60, note 46. 13 charters can found Chartes documents Saint-Bénigne Dijon. Prieurés dépendences origines 1300, Chevrier Chaume, (Dijon, 1986), vol. 1. here nos 51–7, 84–90. should however dating some question, dated only years ‘King Charles’; uncertainties resolved Karl Heidecker’s forthcoming cartulary (personal communication). 14 local communities using archives, State society 2000). 15 Harris, ‘Possession borders: “Mal Morzine” nineteenth-century France’, Journal Modern History, 69 (1997), 451–78, convulsions couple hundred women nearby region, millennium later, connections contemporary politics developments. My thanks David Hopkin reference. Stellinga, Goldberg, ‘Popular revolt, dynastic politics, aristocratic factionalism Saxon Stellinga reconsidered’, Speculum, 70 467–501. 16 Jonas Orléans, De cultu imaginum, Patrologia J-P. Migne, 221 (1844–65), 106, 305–88. T. Noble, Images, iconoclasm Carolingians (Philadelphia, 295. 17 Lyons’ struggle assert authority over Langres ninth century, Folz, ‘L’Évêché les rivalités politiques fin IXe siècle’, Aux d’une seigneurie ecclésiastique. évêques, VIIIe–XIe siècles (Langres, 115–32. 18 Hugh Flavigny, Chronicon, Pertz 8, Hannover, 1848), 288-502, 321 (claiming ‘primatum aecclesiarum’ Gallia). claimed archbishops standing legates (‘vices Romanorum pontificum’), details cannot now ascertained clearly Hugh’s abbreviated report. development metropolitan Schrör, Metropolitangewalt papstgeschichtliche Wende (Husum, 19 Gregory Tours, Gloria martyrum, c. 50, Gregorii Turonensis opera, B. Krusch Rerum Merovingicarum 1:2, 1885), 522–4. silence incident interesting, since both Theobald would probably known widely-disseminated text, not able identify explicitly connected Langres. collection mostly digitised, <http://florus.bm-lyon.fr/>; April Straeten, ‘Actes martyrs d’Aurelien Bourgogne’, Analecta Bollandiana, 79 (1961), 115–45, provides edition. passiones, Phillipart Trigalet, ‘Latin hagiography before century: synoptic view’, long morning Davis McCormick (Aldershot, 2008), 111–30. C. Bouchard, ‘Episcopal gesta creation useful past ninth-century Auxerre’, 84 (2009), 1–35, suggests put acta martyred Burgundian saints. 21 I. Wood, ‘Topographies power sixth-century Gaul’, Topographies ages, Jong, F. Theuws Rhijn (The Transformation World 6, Leiden, 2001), 137–53. move Dijon, ‘Urban failures antique Towns decline, 100–1600, Slater 72–95. 22 Tours’ Glory martyrs, Van Dam (Liverpool, 75, 60. 23 Gelasius text cites included number canon law collections, variant could point Pseudo-Isidorian source. surprising, given, example, proven presence Benedict Levita (see 37 below). J.M. Wallace-Hadrill, Frankish church, (Oxford, 1983), e.g. 171: above all episcopal church.’ 24 Their passio integrated Bénigne’s common version: above, 20. ‘Immo, ut nonnulli affirmant, tantummodo feminis’: 363. 26 By comparison, 40 nuns important convent Avenay, near (Flodoard, HRE, 349). women’s relics, ‘Women tomb: access shrines ages’, Mitchell Wood 163–80, Femmes l’évangelisation au Revue Nord, (1986), 471–83. summary Garver, Women culture world, (Ithaca, NY, she does discuss incident. 27 Chartes, Chaume Chevrier, passim. 28 passed under patronage dukes Burgundy tenth indication predatory involvement community least very end century. Burgundy, M.Chaume, Origines duché Bourgogne, 1925). 29 examples arranging translations, L’Homme, 176–82. Bishops supposed obligation always followed; Sainthood, 19–20. cases relatively close time space one, compare translations Helen Hautvillers around 841 3773), Daria Chrysanthus Prüm’s cell Münstereifel 844 1793). suggestive case monks win measure independence, D. Defries, making minor saint Drogo Saint-Winnoc’s translationis Lewinnae’, Medieval 16:4 423–44. 30 Theobald’s interventionist approach, 54–66, 86–98. 31 Störmer, ‘Bischöfe aus Alemannien Bayern Beobachtungen monastischen politischen ostrheinischen Raum ecclésiastique, 43–77. 32 supporting bishops’ monasteries gleaned capitularies I, 29; 257 III, (all passages widely collections). Levita’s easily via <http://www.benedictus.mgh.de>; 2010, houses old editions well edition progress. 33 account Alberic’s reforms based Oexle, Forschungen zu geistlichen Gemeinschaften westfränkischen Bereich (Munich, 64–81 necrological lists relating Langres; 163–82 light lists, promotion Bèze, signs concomitant marginalisation demonstrable movement personnel. 34 Forschungen, justifiably describes having ‘umgruppiert’ result transfers. 35 Werden, proprietary West 255–6. difficulties St-Denis’ relationship reflected Gesta Dagoberti, Krusch, Fredegarii aliorum chronica. Vitae 2, 1888), 396–425, context discussed 112–19, concentration century up 832. Nantua, charter Lothar Die Urkunden Lothars II, T.Schieffer Diplomatum Karolinum 121, 278–9. St-Médard, Moyenmoutier Fulda complained abbots showing often act independently titular heads: slightly period, Patzold, Konflikte Kloster. Studien Auseinandersetzungen ottonisch-salischen Reichs (Historische 463, Husum, 36 return consolidated string royal charters, Fat, Karls Kehr Diplomata regum ex stirpe Karolinorum 1937), 129, 147, 152–4. precise date decided back uncertain: 165–70, prefers (around 815) intention return, puts actual ‘Verlagerung Schwerpunkts Lebens’ 830, contrast older historiographical preferences still gradual shift. Capitula Episcoporum Brommer Leges, Episcoporum, 1995), 180–241, 180, writing ‘propter minus adquiescentium desidiam querulam contra pastoralem sollicitudinem inproborum insolentiam’. Isaac Langres’ reworking faithful enough assist editing latter: G.Schmitz, ‘Die Isaak Langres’, <http://www.benedictus.mgh.de/studien/schmitz/isaak01.pdf>; 38 Compare caused sharpened distinctions between different St Martin, Tours: 120–33. members, 181. 39 ‘[I]n suae regionis finibus’: includes discussion Italian trade. 174–5. 41 genre standards Einhard, Translatio SS Marcellini Petri, G Waitz (MGH, 238–64. 42 importance reading hagiography, ‘Saints, scholars society: elusive goal’, Living dead 1994), 9–29 (18–20). Pilsworth, missionaries manuscripts eighth-century southern Germany’, Signs, wonders Cooper (Studies Church History 41, Woodbridge, 67–76, sharply study hagiographical material. 43 Description Catalogue manuscrits Bibliothèque l’Arsenal, 1885–9), 1, 55–6. 44 like thank Dr Tessa Webber her helpful comments, Bruno Blasselle, Directeur advice manuscript’s codicology. 45 council 1107: U. Blumenthal, councils Pope Paschal 1100–1110 (Toronto, 74–90. 46 Dümmler thought ninth-century, while McKitterick Ganz advised mid-ninth-century question communication), seems confirmed my preliminary comparisons above). 47 passed, material, through hands seventeenth-century antiquarian Nicolas Camuzat. 48 Fuhrmann, ‘Eine Original erhaltene Propagandaschrift Erzbischofs Gunther Köln (865)’, Archiv Diplomatik, (1958), 1–51. booklet Cologne, Erzbischöfliche Diözesan- Dombibliothek, Cod. 117, f. 93–97v, viewed <http://www.ceec.uni-koeln.de>; 2010). 49 state art review original letters, Mersiowky, ‘Preserved destruction: letters Clm 6333’, palimpsests, Declercq (Turnhout, 2007), 73–98, discussed. 50 revealing rough Thomas Head 1997 omits material parish, translating third overall stress themes centred historiography: <http://urban.hunter.cuny.edu/~thead/amulo.htm>; Treffort, L’Église mort. Christianisme, rites funéraires pratiques commémoratives (Lyons, 1996) briefly parochial relevance 166. 51 279–82, Depreux Paroisse ecclesiis capellis d’Hincmar Reims. L’Énonciation norme partir pratique’, Médiévales, (2005), 141–8. sound observations mixed surely unwarranted hesitations, La Paroisse. Genèse forme territoriale, Zadora-Rio Iogna-Prat, special (2005); manuscript-based approach Y. Hen, ‘Educating clergy: liturgy handbook Bald‘, Sion exibit lex verbum domini Hierusalem. law, literature Amnon Linder, Hen 43–58. 52 Proprietary 66–74. 53 Fouracre, origins attempt regulate cult saints’, Hayward Howard-Johnston 1999), 143–65 (164). sermons, recently McCune, ‘Rethinking Pseudo-Eligius sermon collection’, 445–76. 54 Capitularia francorum, Boretius, Leges Sectio Hannover 1897), 267, 291–2, Paris, Nationale, MS lat. 4626, missus apparently lays responsibility each priest keep parrochia wrong-doers. considerable amount 49–50; 166; 180; 198 316 refer diocese). Isaac’s Levita: above. 55 ‘Quando istiusmodi sanitates oratio apud Deum optinuit, quibus simplices innocentes puellae sanctuario Dei incolumes reddantur, sed si salute sua gaudium parentibus facere voluerint, continuo [. . .] ad domos eorundem parentum suorum redire prohibentur? Quando autem martyres ita coniugatas quasque fideles sanitati restituerunt, eas maritis seiungerent, ne virorum reverti possent, repentine cladis animadversione percuterent?’: 365. 56 arguments linking Munich, Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, 3851 Langres, implication evidence so-called Sendgericht preserves, Hartmann, Kirche Kirchenrecht um 900. Bedeutung der spätkarolingischen Zeit Tradition Innovation kirchlichen Recht (Hannover, 254, 65. 57 ‘fully developed’ parish system, Arnold, Belief unbelief 108–17 Engen, ‘Conclusion: Christendom, c.1100’, Christianities, c.600–c.1100, Noble (Cambridge Christianity Cambridge, 630–1, latter particular stresses completed until 58 Darwin, After Tamerlane. global 30–1. specifically, rightly given problem’, American Historical Review, 91 519–52. 59 ‘Emending’, 190 passim, rejecting priori distinction legislative/organisational reform, relation reform. As institutional Carolingians, church; or, clearly, traditions German legal scholarship embodied W.Hartmann’s Kirchenrecht. analogous view Geary’s B.-S. Albert, Le Pélérinage (Louvain, 1999). 60 future history’, 71 (2002), 492–522 trends. 61 polemical critique single-minded pursuit cultural vibrancy, B.Ward-Perkins, fall civilization 2005). notion Christianity’s ideological essentially complete antiquity, Brown, ‘A life learning’, Council Learned Societies Occasional paper, (2003), unpaginated: ‘As far concerned, had really mattered happened centuries preceded ages.’ 62 roots movement, Leyser, ‘Uses desert west’, Religious Culture, 86 (2006) 113–34: ‘all fundamentally agreed dramatic charisma Simeon Stylite increasingly dour corporate landscape Gaul, dominated monasteries’, 114. Leyser complicates issue arguing exploited ideas desert, bring conceptual opposition itself question. 63 rise western Christendom. Triumph diversity, 200–1000 AD 440 (for ‘managerial’), 450 reformers ‘experts’), 455 (‘the technocrats Europe’). Similar phrases used R.W. Southern, Western 1971), 173–4. 64 Rapp, ‘Saints men’, Constantine c.600, Casiday Norris 548–66, nuancing men, Charisma Elm N. Janowitz, Studies, 343–9, considered primarily literary constructs, calling ‘a ‘retextualisation’ man’ (349). 65 classic exposition, Rise, 422–3. subtle influential Brown’s tackling period along broad lines outlined offered origins’. 66 continued engagement concept Tada, centre: Christianisation diocese Liège period’, Ecclesiastical 209–27, broadly Dunn, Christianization Anglo-Saxons, c.597–c.700. Discourses life, death afterlife specific framing approaches portrayed bringing ‘incapable understanding dogmas theological discourses’ (16) Christianity. mine, Bowes, ‘“Christianization” rural home’, 15:2 (2007), 143–70; ‘Future’, 496. confessional models emerged, ‘Christian Miller, ‘New movements reform’, companion Lansing 211–30. Though field remains diverse, below. 68 Coon, ‘Collecting (2006), 135–62, ‘dynasts’ sought single-mindedly appropriate transcend lure carefully regulated monastic practice ‘imperialistic venture’ collecting serving ambitions; cults’, discussing ‘stifle’ man (589). Which deny correctio, advantages conceptualising ‘correction’ than ‘reform’ may have. ‘Emending’’ outline issue. ‘Society, theodicy heresy’, Studies (1972), 65–77; description 700–1050 ‘the primitive age’, 29–30. characterises reform drawing ‘on remarkable convergence aims, betrayed hardening will rule, rule “correctly”, part entire diffuse governing class’, 440, control top’, 451. origins’, 145 passim arguments. 72 reform’s negative impact women, Scheck, Reform resistance: formations subjectivity ecclesiastical (New York, building sketched Wemple; ‘Somatic styles Gender & 463–86 positive ‘Gender ideology religion, R.N. Swanson 34, 51–73); justly decidedly gloomy Airlie, ‘Private bodies body politic divorce II’, 161 3–38. Boniface, ‘“Immune heresy”. Defining boundaries Christianity’, Frankland: Franks Dame Jinty 101–25. Gottschalk, Eriugena, Amalarius, renaissance’, culture. Emulation innovation, 1–51 (41). 73 exposition prematurity, Goff, L’Europe, est-elle née âge? 47–59. introductio
Journal of Medieval History|White Rose Research Online (University of Leeds)