History, Scripture, and Authority in the Carolingian Empire: Frechulf of Lisieux

History, Scripture, and Authority in the Carolingian Empire explores the work of Frechulf of Lisieux, a ninth-century historian, and challenges the dominant paradigm of medieval studies by focusing on the transmission and reception of patristic knowledge, the compilation of authoritative texts, and the relationship between the study of history and scriptural exegesis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 06 January 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

History, Scripture, and Authority in the Carolingian Empire

The Carolingian Empire, a powerful medieval empire that ruled much of Europe from the 8th to the 11th centuries, was a time of great cultural and intellectual development. One of the key figures in this era was the ninth-century historian Frechulf of Lisieux, who wrote the monumental Histories, a comprehensive account of the world from its creation to the seventh century. Despite the richness of Frechulf's source material, his work has been largely overlooked by modern scholars. In this book, we will explore the reasons behind this neglect and examine the ways in which Frechulf's Histories challenge a dominant paradigm within medieval studies of understanding history-writing primarily as an extension of politics and power.

Frechulf's Narrative and the Dominant Paradigm

Frechulf's Histories were completed in 830, and they cover a vast expanse of time and geography. However, the narrative stops over two centuries short of his time of writing, and it was largely a compilation of earlier, late antique histories and chronicles. This fact has led many scholars to view Frechulf's work as a mere extension of politics and power, with little interest in the transmission and reception of patristic knowledge or the relationship between the study of history and scriptural exegesis.

Challenging the Dominant Paradigm

In examining Frechulf's historiographical compendium, this book challenges the dominant paradigm within medieval studies of understanding history-writing primarily as an extension of politics and power. Instead, we focus on the transmission and reception of patristic knowledge, the compilation of authoritative texts, and the relationship between the study of history and scriptural exegesis. By doing so, we reveal Frechulf's work to be an unexpectedly rich artefact of Carolingian intellectual culture.

Transmission and Reception of Patristic Knowledge

Frechulf's Histories were compiled from a wide range of sources, including patristic writings, ancient histories, and chronicles. By drawing on these diverse sources, Frechulf was able to present a comprehensive account of the world that was grounded in a deep understanding of Christian theology and philosophy. This understanding of the past was not limited to the Carolingian Empire but was also shared by other medieval intellectuals throughout Europe.

Compilation of Authoritative Texts

Frechulf's compilation of authoritative texts was another important aspect of his work. He sought to gather together the most reliable and accurate information available and to present it in a clear and concise manner. This effort was not just limited to his Histories but was also reflected in his other writings, such as his commentary on the Bible.

Relationship between History and Scriptural Exegesis

Frechulf's work also highlights the relationship between the study of history and scriptural exegesis. He believed that the study of history was not just a matter of recording the past but was also an opportunity to interpret the teachings of the Bible in a deeper and more meaningful way. This approach was in line with the broader intellectual trends of the Carolingian Empire, which emphasized the importance of the Christian faith in shaping all aspects of life, including the study of history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, History, Scripture, and Authority in the Carolingian Empire offers a detailed analysis of the work of the ninth-century historian Frechulf of Lisieux. By focusing on the transmission and reception of patristic knowledge, the compilation of authoritative texts, and the relationship between the study of history and scriptural exegesis, we reveal Frechulf's work to be an unexpectedly rich artefact of Carolingian intellectual culture. This book challenges a dominant paradigm within medieval studies of understanding history-writing primarily as an extension of politics and power and provides a new perspective on the ways in which the Carolingian Empire understood the past and interpreted the teachings of the Bible.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 201 x 261 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197267288