CHAPTER IX.

THE IRON AGE.--A.D. 900 TO 1000.

Popular notions of the tenth century. Explanations of the causes of social disorder in that century. The break-up of Charlemagne’s empire. Incursions of Normans, Saracens, and Huns. Destruction of monasteries and their schools. Concealment of books. Anecdotes of the time. The relics of St. Evroult. Efforts made by the Popes and Bishops to preserve a knowledge of sacred letters. Heraclius of Liege. Fulk of Rheims attempts to restore the monasteries. The foundation of Cluny. St. Odo and St. Maieul. Stories from their lives illustrating the state of learning at this time. Abbo of Fleury and his travels in search of science. Restoration of the abbey of Gorze. John of Gorze and his studies. Village schools existed at this time. 225