TSR Wiki > Study Help > Subjects and Revision > Revision Notes > History > Ecclesia Francorum
Mid 8th century renewal and consolidation of church institutions – Christian norms into secular politics, especially in the actions of rulers. Bishops and abbots with large land acted as a force for cohesion and integration
794 – 829 high summer of Carolingian church reform, aims: intensification Christian practice, greater uniformity, preservation purity of the church. Formulation virtual Christian code – educated priests to teach bible properly and to administer the code – higher education necessary, in this way the Carolingian renaissance can be seen as a by product of central aim.
Kings and churchmen aid the spread of text in new Carolingian script (minuscule).
Carolingians assumption of Kingship from Popes, in return protected them from enemies – 754 intervene in Lombardy to get regime better disposed toward papacy, failed and took Kingdom in 774 – Charlemagne’s coronation shows how Carolingians taking on role of the Emperor as protectors of Popes.
Court and church art part of production of magic and holiness, creation magical Christianity needed to compete with paganism. Thus proliferation of relics, especially in areas new to Christianity, shrines centres of magic and power.
Chruchmen and magic sanctioned the existing social and economic order – wealthy and powerful, poor and dependent- duty of slaves to obey masters, but not oppression – miracles of saints directed against disobedient and oppressive.
Role of monasteries: possible for Christians to practise virtues difficult to sustain – poverty, chastity, humility – provide personnel for the work of the church, comparative stability and permanence good bases for colonization.
Mid 8th century onward – more monasteries under state control – looked for immunity and from Louis the Pious’ time meant King becoming the owner – increasing Royal interest in monastic way of life – interest meant burdens: monasteries provide troops or annual gifts to the King, church wealth used for more public functions, hospitality, hospitals etc – flow of wealth to benfices away from the church, appointment to bisoprics and monasteries important part of patronage Wealth of the Carolingian church sign of and precondition of its success – tied churchmen to the world in ways not fitting their role, important consequences.
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