Introduction: A Series of Unfortunate Events
Yitzhak Hen
With these words, written shortly after 786 in a circular letter to the religious lectors,2 Charlemagne (d. 814) invited scholars, bishops and abbots, improve learning his kingdom.3 Underlining role of king court, led vigorous campaign revive learning, that had, according him, become practically defunct.4 Charlemagne’s patronage served enhance dignity by linking him with Roman imperial practices, Carolingian propagandists stressed this feature reforms unashamedly. For eighth- ninth-century writers it was axiomatic had indeed revived long period neglect decline. Modern however, have noted statement subsequent image were too sweeping exaggerated. No doubt personal involvement grandiose scale which he operated, created what we still call ‘Carolingian Renaissance’. But one has bear mind not only ruler promote cultural intellectual activity nor did impetus spring out blue. It may well be own awareness importance at court nurtured models active centres, Rome Byzantium, but also various Barbarian kingdoms succeeded empire.5 Court culture, so seems, bound together early medieval West as part common undeclared ideology kingship, is precisely on interesting issue I wish focus present book.
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