The Carolingian Renaissance

Charlemagne’s Motivation

Many versions of Bible

-- How to know what God wants?

Poor Pronunciation (Latin French)

-- How to tell God what you want?

(God speaks Latin)

Charlemagne’s Goals

• Accurate Latin Bible, prayer books and liturgy

• Elevate literacy in Latin, especially amongst clergy

-- Side effect: Roman classics were recopied, studied, enjoyed. However: “roses on the thornbush.”

Assembling Scholars

• Paul the Decon (Italy) • Einhard the Frank• Theodulf of Orleans

• Alcuin of York (Northumbria)

Gather at Charlemagne’s capital in Aachen

Caroline Miniscule

Schools

• 789 Charlemagne orders every monastery to establish school

• Universal Education • Mostly Latin, but also

basic mathMasses remain illiterateBut improvements

among clergy

Outcomes of Renaissance

• Schools established

• Ancient Roman and Greek texts preserved

• Unintended consequence: gap between Latin and vernacular (everyday language)

• Medical study begins in 9th century