The Reform of the Frankish Church
Chrodegang of Metz and the Regula canonicorum in the Eighth Century

Explores the career and reforming programme of Chrodegang (c. 712–766), bishop of Metz.

M. A. Claussen (Author)

9780521065375, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 June 2008

364 pages, 1 b/w illus. 2 maps
22.9 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.544 kg

'This book bristles with new insights on an important figure, Chrodegang, and on an important topic, building religious community in the early medieval West. Its evocative turns of phrase and its judicious and helpful use of anthropological and narrative theory on almost every page make it a delight to read. Most of all, it's a very good history.' The Medieval Review

Chrodegang of Metz (c. 712–766) was a leading figure of the late Merovingian and early Carolingian Church. Born to one of the principal aristocratic families in Austrasia, he served as referendary of Charles Martel, and was appointed bishop of Metz in the 740s. As bishop, Chrodegang became one of the foremost churchmen in Francia, chairing councils, founding monasteries, and beginning a reform of the lives of the canons of the Metz cathedral. This book is a major study in the English language on Chrodegang, examining his preoccupation with the creation of communities of faith and concord modelled on the early Church. It explores his attempts to unite the Frankish episcopacy, his rule for the cathedral clergy in Metz - the Regula canonicorum - and his introduction of new liturgical practices that sought to transform his see into a hagiopolis, a holy city which provided a model for later Carolingian reform.

List of illustrations
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Introduction
1. Chrodegang in the Frankish church
2. The Regula canonicorum
3. Chrodegang and the Rule of St. Benedict
4. Roman and Gallic sources for the Regula canonicorum
5. Individual, community and ritual in the Regula canonicorum
6. Hagiopolis
Bibliography
Index
Index of manuscripts
Index locorum.

Subject Areas: History of religion [HRAX], Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], European history [HBJD]