Roman books and Carolingian renovatio
D. A. Bullough
Jean Mabillon’s incidental treatment in his De re diplomatica of the lead bulla an emperor Charles with reverse legend Renovatio Roman. Imp. gives no inkling reputation it was to acquire later historiography Carolingian empire. Mabillon himself favoured attribution Fat, although between publication first and supplementary volumes epoch-making work had been correctly attributed by numismatist François Le Blanc. Without these early publications, modern discussion imperial renaissance ideology might have deprived one its key texts: for bull already a much damaged condition late-nineteenth century both sides are now almost completely illegible. Its uniqueness, great rarity ‘imperial bust’ coins which icono-graphically linked it, invite us consider whether slogans images ‘renewed Roman empire’ were known more than privileged few Charlemagne’s lifetime: even so, if Annales Mettenses , completed 805, rightly interpreted, someone court circle felt need appease critics emphasising strictly-Frankish roots authority at same time as dies new being prepared.
Studies in Church History