Charlemagne: Great Capitulary - Analysis | Milestone Documents - Milestone Documents

Charlemagne: Great Capitulary

( 802 ) Commentary by Michael J. O'Neal, Ph.D.
  • “The most serene and most Christian emperor Charles, did choose from among his nobles the most prudent and the wisest men archbishops as well as other bishops, and venerable abbots, and pious laymen and did send them over his whole kingdom; and did grant through them, by means of all the following provisions, that men should live according to law and right.” - Paragraph 1
  • “And he ordained that every man in his whole kingdom—ecclesiastic or layman, each according to his vow and calling—who had previously promised fealty to him as king should now make this promise to him as emperor; and that those who had hitherto not made this promise should all, down to those under 12 years of age, do likewise.” - Paragraph 2
  • “That bishops, abbots and abbesses, who are placed in power over others, should strive to surpass in veneration and diligence those subject to them; that they should not oppress them with severe and tyrannous rule, but should carefully guard the flock committed to them, with simple love, with mercy and charity, and by the example of good works.” - Paragraph 11
  • “Monasteries for women shall be firmly ruled, and the nuns shall by no means be permitted to wander about, but shall be kept with all diligence.” - Paragraph 18
  • “That judges shall judge justly, according to the written law and not according to their own judgment.” - Paragraph 26
  • “That all men shall at all times, in the service and will of God, venerate with all honour their bishops and priests.” - Paragraph 35
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Charlemagne (center) with King Arthur and Godfrey of Bouillon (Yale University Art Gallery)

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