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Vol. 89 (1998): Our Past

Miscellanea

Gerbert of Aurillac - Pope Sylvester II - in the light of new publications

  • Anna Adamska
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52204/np.1998.89.443-451  [Google Scholar]
Published: 1998-06-30

Abstract

In recent years, the progress of French medieval studies has been stimulated by successive anniversaries: recently the accession of Hugo Capet to the throne was celebrated, recently the anniversary of the baptism of Clovis was solemnly celebrated. Each such anniversary results in a series of books and articles, renewing discussions about the hero in question. The same happened with another anniversary: 1,000 years have passed since the assumption of the papal dignity by Gerbert of Aunllac, known not only to medievalists, and considered the greatest scientist of his time. The basic facts of his life have long been established by historians. In 1993, a critical edition of Gerbert's correspondence was published. Gerbert of Aurillac, and even more so his era, is covered by the second publication, prepared by specialists from the École des Chartes in Paris. Its title: "Around Gerbert" perfectly reflects the content. It presents over 50 source texts illustrating the political realities, social relations and intellectual climate of his times, organizing them around four topics: the places where Gerbert stayed and the spheres of his activity: politics, the Church and science. The next, newly published volume of studies devoted to Gerbert is titled "Gerbert l' Europeen". In this collection, a two-fold approach to its hero is striking: Gerbert is not only a symbol of Europe at the threshold of the second millennium, but also an outstanding representative of Owemia, his "little homeland ", which cultivates his memory. A series of articles about the region and the city of Aurillac in his era, as well as in modern times, serve to place the future pope in local history. Gerbert's activities as pope are directly related to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. His pontificate marked the entry into the Christian community of the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary.

References

  1. Riché P., Callu J-P., Wstęp w: Gerbert d ’Aurillac, Correspondance, t. 1, Paris 1993. [Google Scholar]
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  4. Titkos L., Some Notes on the Significance o f Gerbert Aurillac in Bulgakov’s „The Master and Margarita” w: „Canadian American Slavic Studies 15:1981. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/221023981X00200 [Google Scholar]

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