The Reforms of the Frankish Church: Chrodegang of Metz and the Regula canonicorum in the Eighth Century
2007; Oxford University Press; Volume: CXXII; Issue: 496 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1093/ehr/cem009
ISSN1477-4534
Autores Tópico(s)Medieval Literature and History
ResumoCHRODEGANG of Metz (c. 712–766) is one of the most prominent representatives of a whole generation of ambitious Frankish noblemen who rose to power in the final decades of the Merovingian period. Born to an important aristocratic family from Austrasia, Chrodegang's public career was closely tied up with the rise of the Carolingian majores domus and later kings. He had served as referendarius at the court of the Austrasian major domus Charles Martel (d. 741), and shortly after his death Chrodegang was nominated by Carloman (most probably in 742) to the bishopric of Metz as a token for his loyalty and service to the Carolingians. As the bishop of Metz, and especially after Boniface's martyrdom in 754, Chrodegang became immersed in church affairs and reforms. He founded monasteries, convened church councils, introduced some new liturgical practices (thought by him to be Roman), and dedicated much time and effort to reforming the lives of the canons at Metz cathedral. Despite his busy ecclesiastical life, Chrodegang did not give up completely his involvement in politics, as his mission to Pope Stephen in 753 on behalf of the newly enthroned Pippin III clearly testifies. His close ties with the Frankish king and with the Pope made Chrodegang the most important ecclesiastic of his age, and one of the most powerful persons in the whole of Francia. Notwithstanding this prominent position in late Merovingian and early Carolingian history, Chrodegang and his work were too often carelessly overlooked, if not bluntly ignored, by modern scholars. Martin Claussen's fine book successfully fills that gap.
Referência(s)