The Making of the Monastic Community of Fulda, c.744–c.900

A well-integrated and sophisticated investigation into the development of religious life in an influential early medieval monastic community.

Janneke Raaijmakers (Author)

9781107460201, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 November 2014

378 pages, 5 b/w illus. 3 maps
23 x 15.3 x 2.3 cm, 0.6 kg

'Raaijmakers's meticulous study is of interest for graduate students and scholars interested in early medieval religion, the history of monasticism, or the complex relationships between religious institutions and the wider world.' Owen M. Phelan, Religious Studies Review

The monastic community of Fulda was one of the most powerful institutions in early medieval Europe. This book traces the development of the community from its foundation in the 740s over one and a half centuries, a period richly documented by a variety of texts and archaeological remains. These sources reveal how Fulda's success forced the monks to rethink their goals and the ways in which they sought to achieve them. Its close connection to the Carolingian royal court also makes Fulda a fascinating case study of how local events influenced life in the palace and vice versa. The importance of Fulda and the rich array of sources associated with it have long been recognised, but this is the first full study, bringing together theology, architectural history and archaeology. The result is a vivid picture of life in this monastery and also in early medieval religious communities in general.

Introduction
1. The early years: Boniface
2. After Boniface's death: from familia to institution
3. Baugulf: the cultivation of learning, land and the church
4. Ratger: church and conflict
5. Eigil: new unity
6. Hrabanus I: reform and record
7. Hrabanus II: sins, saints and the stability of the realm
8. Royal power and monastic prayer
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Church history [HRCC2], Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], European history [HBJD]