De litteris colendis in the context of Angilram (bishop of Metz)

⭐ Core Definition: De litteris colendis

The Epistola de litteris colendis is a well-known letter addressed by Emperor Charlemagne to Abbot Baugulf of Fulda, probably written sometime in the late 780s to 800s (decade), although the exact date is still debatable. The letter is a very important witness to the Carolingian educational reforms during the Carolingian Renaissance from the late 8th century to the 9th century. The letter shows Emperor Charlemagne's interest in promoting learning and education within his empire.

The oldest existing copy of this letter comes from the 8th century. Another version dates back to the 11th century. The older of the two surviving manuscripts are located at Wuerzburg and offer the original text addressed to Abbot Baugulf. The more recent manuscript (Metz, bibl mun forth. o nr 226,.. SAEC XI, burned in 1945), whose text is preserved by older editions, is the revised version offered for Angilram, who was charged with further dissemination.

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⭐ Core Definition: De litteris colendis
De litteris colendis in the context of Carolingian Renaissance
De litteris colendis in the context of Baugulf of Fulda

De litteris colendis in the context of Carolingian Renaissance

The Carolingian Renaissance was the first of three medieval renaissances, a period of cultural activity in the Carolingian Empire. Charlemagne's reign led to an intellectual revival beginning in the 8th century and continuing throughout the 9th century, taking inspiration from ancient Roman and Greek culture and the Christian Roman Empire of the 4th century. The period saw an increase of literature, writing, visual arts, architecture, music, jurisprudence, liturgical reforms, and scriptural studies. Carolingian schools were effective centers of education, and they served generations of scholars by producing editions and copies of the classics, both Christian and pagan.

The movement occurred mostly during the reigns of Carolingian rulers Charlemagne and Louis the Pious. It was supported by the scholars of the court, notably Alcuin of York. Charlemagne's Admonitio generalis (789) and Epistola de litteris colendis served as manifestos. Alcuin wrote on subjects ranging from grammar and biblical exegesis to arithmetic and astronomy. He also collected rare books, which formed the nucleus of the library at York Cathedral. His enthusiasm for learning made him an effective teacher. Alcuin writes:

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De litteris colendis in the context of Baugulf of Fulda

Baugulf (died 8 July 815) was a prominent Benedictine abbot in the Carolingian church. He was the second abbot of the Abbey of Fulda in present-day Germany. He served from 779 to 802 CE and was succeeded by Ratgar.

Despite his contemporary prominence, the twenty-three years of his abbacy can now only be understood through letters - including the famous Epistola de litteris colendis ('Letter on the cultivation of learning') or through the use of charters recording exchange of property that can aid our understand of the monastery's relations with the outside world under his abbacy. Baugulf also commissioned a list of monks (the so-called 'Baugulf list') that help us understand life within the Abbacy. Additionally a list exists of books held in their abbey library and its dependent cellae, these along with the few remains of the church that began construction while he was abbot can give us clues into the course of his abbacy.

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