Teutons or Trojans? The Carolingians and the Germanic Past
Matthew Innes
In 893 Archbishop Fulco of Reims wrote to Arnulf, king the east Frankish kingdom. had just engineered coronation Carolingian Charles Simple in west Francia, opposition Odo, aristocrat who seized western crown crisis 888. After 888, as a (albeit an illegitimate one), established hegemony over various kings within empire, Odo included. Hence Fulco's need justify and warn Arnulf against intervention letter which marshalled fascinating historical arguments. justified his decision not consult with Charles's elevation by claiming that ‘the custom people’ was elect successor from royal line without seeking advice other, more powerful, neighbouring kings. To buttress argument about custom, needed examples. He cited passage on succession practices Gregory Great's Homilies Evangelists, then directed story found ‘in teutonic books’ (in libris teutonicis) told Ermanaric, ruler murdered all relatives bad councillors, only be overrun Huns. These were fairly threadbare examples, although they did both show kingship passing dynastic line. But their real force lay morals suggested Arnulf.
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