Chapter V

CHARLEMAGNE AND ALCUIN.--A.D. 747 TO 804.

Decay of letters and Church discipline in Gaul under the
Merovingian dynasty. Prospects of a reform under Pepin. St.
Chrodegang of Metz. Accession of Charlemagne. His early teachers:
Paul Warnefrid, St. Paulinus of Aquileja. Alcuin is invited over
into France. Foundation of the Palatine school. Nature of the
studies introduced by Alcuin. They are chiefly ecclesiastical.
Proof, however, that classical studies were not entirely neglected.
Charlemagne’s application to study of all kinds. His introduction
of the Roman chant. His attempts to perfect the Tudesque or German
dialect. Method of teaching of the Anglo-Saxon scholars. Their
fondness for dialogues and enigmas. Alcuin’s correction of the
liturgical books. Schools of copyists founded in monasteries.
Charlemagne’s public schools. Proofs that these were in every sense
monastic schools. Difference between the exterior and interior
schools of the Benedictine monasteries. University of Paris,
properly so called, of far later date. Great men who took part
in the restoration of learning under Charlemagne: Theodulph of
Orleans, Smaragdus, St. Benedict Anian, St. Adalhard. Alcuin at
Tours. Clement and Dungal. Death of Alcuin. 113