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Who's Who in Medieval History and the Renaissance


Rabanus Maurus

c. 780-856

Cleric & Monastic
Teacher
Theologian
Writer

 

Europe: Germany

Rabanus (or Hrabanus or Reabanus) Maurus, also called Maurus Magnentius Rabanus or Hrabanus Magnentius, was a renowned writer, teacher, and theologian. He became a Benedictine monk rather young, studied with Alcuin, and after his fame as a teacher spread throughout Europe, he was ordained a priest. He was also a political consultant to Lothair I, playing an important role in ninth-century Europe.

In 803 Maurus moved to the abbey at Fulda, which he helped develop into a leading center of learning. He collected an extraordinary corpus of manuscripts and works of art there, and was elected Abbot in 822. When King Louis the German overthrew Lothair, Maurus fled into exile, but he eventually reconciled with Louis and was made Archbishop of Mainz. In this post he gained a reputation for social concerns, and was responsible for keeping hundreds of people from starving during the famine of 850.

So significantly did Maurus's works contribute to German literature and language that he was given the title Praeceptor Germaniae ("Teacher of Germany").


Important Dates

Died: Feb. 4, 856


On the Web

Biographical

Catholic Encyclopedia: Blessed Maurus Magnentius Rabanus
Brief biography by Michael Ott.


Primary Sources

De rerum naturis
Two prefaces and 22 books of the De rerum naturis, also known as De universo, online at the Memorial University of Newfoundland.


In Print

The link below will take you to an online bookstore, where you can find more information about the book to help you get it from your local library. This is provided as a convenience to you; neither Melissa Snell nor About is responsible for any purchases you make through these links.

De institutione clericorum libri tres
by Rabanus Maurus


Related Resources

Early Europe
Directory of sites that offer useful resources for the study of Europe in Late Antiquty, or shortly after the fall of Rome.

Monasticism
Monastic life, rules, orders and contributions to medieval culture.

Philosophy & Theology
A multi-page index of philosophical and theological theories and the individuals who contributed them, from the early Middle Ages to the early Modern Age.

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