Opactwo Reichenau słynnym ośrodkiem studiów quadrivium w połowie wieku XI

Abstract

The author discusses the following matters in this article: - the foundation of the Carolinian Reichenau Abbey and its meaning for Germany in universal historiography; - the development of quadrivium studies during the times of abbot Bern; - possible influence of scientific atmosphere of this monastery over the chronography and musical interest of Frutolf from Michelsberg; the last being the author of Chronicon universale - The Chronicles of the World, which is considered to be one of the most excellent chronicles of the early Middle Ages. Nothing is known about the time and place of birth and about the social origin of Frutolf, as well. There is also no information about the place he received so thorough education. Analysing manuscripts of Frutolf and his close co-worker Tiem, it can be concluded, that the works of abbot Bern and his great disciple Hermann der Lahme influenced Frutolf and Tiem’s chronography and musical interests. Considering these creative interests, good knowledge of the writings of Bern and Hermann, it can be suggested that the Reichenau Abbey was the best scientific centre where Frutolf could have completed thorough quadrivium studies. Coping the manuscripts of Bern or Hermann and writing similar own ones, Frutolf imitated their compositions very clearly. The main reason to discuss this problem in this article was the fact of possible connection and influence between Reichenau scientists and chronicler from Michelsberg.