De litteris colendis

What it is

De litteris colendis is a letter addressed by Emperor Charlemagne to Abbot Baugulf of Fulda, probably written in the late 8th or early 9th century. Although issued under Charlemagne's name, it was most likely drafted by his adviser Alcuin of York. The oldest surviving copy dates from the 8th century.

Why it matters

The letter is one of the earliest and most important sources for the educational reforms of the Carolingian Renaissance. It shows Charlemagne's concern that monks and priests should read and write well enough to understand the Bible correctly, since errors of understanding were seen as dangerous as errors of speech. It reveals Charlemagne's reliance on learned advisers like Alcuin to put his ambitions into words.

Look closer

• Why might Charlemagne, who reportedly struggled to write himself, care so much about others' literacy?
• What does it suggest that the letter was likely written by Alcuin rather than Charlemagne?
• Who was meant to receive and act on this letter, and why?