Theodulf

(also Theodulphe). Born mid-eighth century in Spain; died 821 in Angers. Carolingian Renaissance figure.

A Visigoth by descent, Theodulf was an intimate of Charlemagne. He became bishop of Orleans and abbot of Fleury circa 781. Theodulf helped establish a network of schools and developed a teaching system. He was one of the missi dominici (royal commissioners), who regulated the affairs of the counts. After being accused of planning a conspiracy against Louis the Pious in 817, he was deposed and banished to a monastery.

Theodulf wrote many poetic works, including the narrative poem Versus contra judices (Against the Judges), which explicitly depicted the morals of the epoch and exposed the arbitrary rule of the counts and their lieutenants. Theodulf also wrote a number of theological treatises.