Psalmodi and the Architecture of Carolingian Septimania
Jenny H. Shaffer
Excavations in the 1970s and 1980s at Psalmodi uncovered a pre-Gothic church of two building campaigns. The date A, first campaign, has been disputed. Formal textual evidence, however, confirms A as Carolingian, rather than Romanesque, B, second dating to about 1000. Indeed, correlation between A's plan distinctive type tied directly Benedict Aniane-seen, notably, excavated Carolingian Aniane-in tandem with documentary evidence for indicate that dates no later early ninth century. Church then, provides rare testimony monastic architecture colonial Septimania. importance this past-remembered fabled time-is documented texts which Psalmodi's pedigree is reinforced even enhanced. Reverence past may be reflected preservation much B and, moreover, tenth-century churches Saint-Genis-des-Fontaines Saint-André-de-Sorède, which, their clear formal affinity Aniane, perhaps present pointed reference to, persistence of, distinctive, local, type.
Gesta