The Carolingian Empire

Carolingian Culture

Many of the scholars came from monasteries. One of the primary and stated purposes of monasteries was to preserve learning, primarily through copying books. The greater ones had schools attached to them and these trained the sons and daughters of the local nobility.

One of the greatest was Fulda, in Germany. Einhard trained here, as did Hrabanus Maurus, who compiled a massive commentary on the Bible. Fulda also produced Walafrid Strabo, who became a poet and scholar. These latter two men influenced the tradition of biblical exegesis - the gloss.

You should keep in mind that a term like the Carolingian Renaissance can make the whole thing seem more widespread that it really was. This renaissance of learning was confined to a few monasteries and the court of Charlemagne, leaving the lives of most people untouched.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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