De Gente Scottorum Monachi
Jean-Michel Picard
The Irish played an important role in the remarkable development of monasticism seventh-century Merovingian Gaul. rulers sponsored foundation monasteries not only for religious motives but also as element their settlement strategy liminal areas and newly conquered territory. monastic foundations on continent (e.g., Luxeuil, Péronne, Fosses) were fact result close cooperation between Frankish kings or magnates individuals who, while preserving a certain independence, was custom Ireland, contributed to reorganization lands by Franks. ecclesiastics warlords chance encounter must be understood wider context early commercial contacts Ireland Gaul interests British Isles. relationship aristocracy privileged one unique, other groups from insular world, Bretons Anglo-Saxons, similar part strategy. Within that larger context, managed preserve strong sense identity throughout period established positive reputation lasted well into Carolingian era.