Some Ciceronian Models for Einhard' s Life of Charlemagne
Matthew Kempshall
"Some Ciceronian Models for Einhard's Life of Charlemagne." This essay seeks to reevaluate the traditional characterization Vita Karoli Magni as first secular biography middle ages, a work which self-consciously used Suetonius in order adapt written traditions hagiography and shape distinctively "imperial" ideal Carolingian kingship. Instead, it reconstructs context rhetoric Einhard is known have been familiar with writing history res gestae was closely associated. An awareness general rules epideictic, deliberative, and, above all, forensic rhetoric, argued, sheds considerable light not just on influential fusion annals but status text an implicit critique Louis Pious. Focusing generally neglected presence Charlemagne's will text, locates at least genesis composition disturbed politics 828-829, thereby tying born Epitaphium Arsenii own Translatio et miracula sancti Marcellini Petri evidence vocal articulated opposition Louis's political ecclesiastical activity.
Viator