Rachel Stone
Beyond David and Solomon: Biblical models for Carolingian laymen
In 796 AD, Theodulf of Orléans wrote a verse-epistle to the Frankish king Charlemagne, which included the extravagant praise: “Your name recalls your grandfather, your noble understanding Solomon’s, your strength reminds us of David and your beauty is Joseph’s own.”522 Theodulf’s Latin verses are elegiac couplets523, and his poem included classical references, but his points of comparison are to Biblical figures, specifically Biblical men.
Such a comparison is one obvious route to making God manageable; modelling oneself on those in the past who had privileged access to Him, while also avoiding the sins of those whom God has directly punished. This uses of Biblical ...
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