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A criminal world of Carolingian priests

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Recent research on Carolingian reform has shown a key role for local priests, addressed by kings and bishops and then passing on admonitions and instruction to congregations throughout the Carolingian Empire. What happened, however, when such priests were themselves badly-behaved? This chapter uses specific cases of clerical misconduct, along with conciliar norms, to look at this Carolingian “criminal world.” How did the offenses reported (sexual misdemeanors, violence, and misuse of church property) relate to social changes in the Carolingian world? How did higher authorities’ attempts to deal with such men also potentially destabilize Carolingian order, creating further problems and increasing criminality?

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLiving in a Carolingian World
EditorsValerie L. Garver
PublisherBrill Academic Publishers
Pages196-225
Number of pages30
Volume33
ISBN (Electronic)9789004749887
ISBN (Print)9789004749856
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2025

Publication series

NameBrill's Series on the Early Middle Ages
Volume33
ISSN (Print)1878-4879

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Classics
  • Cultural Studies
  • Archeology (arts and humanities)
  • Language and Linguistics
  • History
  • Visual Arts and Performing Arts
  • Philosophy
  • Literature and Literary Theory

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