ANNALES BERTINIANI Meaning and
Definition
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Annals Bertiniani, also known as the Bertin Annals or Annales Bertiniani, is a historical chronicle of the Frankish Kingdom in the 9th century. It was written by an anonymous author, likely a member of the court of Charles the Bald, who served as the King's scribe or chronicler.
The Annals Bertiniani covers the period from 830 to 882, a time of significant political and social changes in Western Europe. It provides detailed accounts of various events, including wars, political alliances, and ecclesiastical affairs. The chronicle is primarily focused on the reign of Charles the Bald, who was a prominent ruler of the Carolingian Empire.
The Annals Bertiniani is regarded as a valuable historical source due to its contemporary nature and its detailed coverage of political and military affairs. It offers insights into the dynamic and complex relationships between the Frankish Kingdom, its neighboring regions, and Viking invasions during the Viking Age. The chronicle provides information on the struggles for power, disputes over succession, as well as accounts of battles and diplomatic negotiations.
While the author of the Annals Bertiniani remains unknown, the work itself is believed to have been commissioned by Charles the Bald to serve as a record of his reign. It is written in Latin, following a traditional annalistic style, which provides yearly entries with concise descriptions of key events. The Annals Bertiniani has been widely studied by historians for its contribution to our understanding of the political and social history of the Carolingian Empire in the 9th century.
Etymology of ANNALES BERTINIANI
The word "annales bertiniani" is Latin in origin and can be broken down into two components: "annales" and "bertiniani".
1. Annāles: The term "annales" comes from the Latin word "annus", meaning "year". In ancient Rome, "annales" referred to historical records or accounts organized by year, serving as a chronicle of events.
2. Bertiniani: The term "bertiniani" is derived from the name of a notable medieval figure, Saint Bertin (c. 615-709). Saint Bertin was an abbot from the monastery of Sithiu (later called Saint-Bertin) in present-day France. The "annales bertiniani" refers to a collection of annals or historical records associated with Saint Bertin or the monastery he founded.
