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Christian Denominations and Sects

Honors College

2020

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Projecting Imperial Power: The Synods Of Aachen (816-819), Cliff Greco May 2020

Projecting Imperial Power: The Synods Of Aachen (816-819), Cliff Greco

Honors College

An important stage in Christian monastic reforms occurred in Aachen during the synods from 816-819 A.D. These meetings were brought about to bring uniformity and centralization to monastic practices within the Frankish realm of Charlemagne’s son, Louis the Pious (d. 840). The reforms were initiated by the emperor of the Carolingian Empire and guided by the reformist monk Benedict of Aniane (d. 821). Monastic dogma that was agreed upon included a drastic reinterpretation of the Rule of St. Benedict. Benedict of Aniane’s influence was evident within the synods. His monastic reforms were directed towards establishing stringent asceticism and Christian zeal. …