the Carolingian Renaissance - pursuing knowledge in the name of God

In this episode we have a discussion on Charlemagne's Renaissance, also known as the Carolingian Renaissance. We also discuss the myth of the dark ages, the scholar and cleric Alcuin from Northumbria who saved countless of ancient texts from the Vikings, and the crucial role the church as a whole played in preserving ancient Greek and Roman knowledge.

The Carolingian Renaissance was the first of three medieval renaissances, a period of cultural activity in the Carolingian Empire. It occurred from the late 8th century to the 9th century, taking inspiration from the Christian Roman Empire of the fourth century. During this period, there was an increase of literature, writing, the arts, architecture, jurisprudence, liturgical reforms, and scriptural studies.

The Carolingian Renaissance occurred mostly during the reigns of Carolingian rulers Charlemagne and Louis the Pious. It was supported by the scholars of the Carolingian court, notably Alcuin of York. Charlemagne's Admonitio generalis (789) and Epistola de litteris colendis served as manifestos.