The ‘Life’ and Death of Pope Hadrian I
Joanna Story
Abstract The chapter reviews the evidence and historiography for life career of Pope Hadrian I over course his exceptionally long pontificate (772–95). Especially important are letters contained in Codex Carolinus, collated at Carolingian court 791, biography Liber Pontificalis, compiled Rome, during soon after period rule. It argues that epithet ‘magnus’ (the Great) was first applied to Charlemagne a papal source, Frankish sources recorded king’s reactions news Hadrian’s death. discusses embassy sent Rome early 796, gifts had been prepared advance, including Dagulf’s Psalter, compares diction poem opened manuscript with verses composed by Theodulf Orléans. annalistic from Francia England is analysed, entry Northumbrian annals, probably York embedded Historia Regum, Lorsch Annals, survive contemporary manuscript, which describe making epitaph mourning pope. Letters Alcuin enrich base understanding within beyond death Hadrian.
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