Arbeo of Freising facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arbeo of Freising
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| Born | 723 Meran |
| Died | 784 (aged 60–61) |
| Resting place | Freising |
| Pen name | Aribo |
| Occupation | Author and Bishop |
| Language | German |
| Nationality | German |
| Citizenship | German |
| Subject | Bilingual vocabulary |
| Notable works | Codex Abrogans |
Arbeo of Freising (born around 723 near Meran – died May 4, 784) was an important writer from the Early Middle Ages. He also served as the Bishop of Freising starting in 764.
Arbeo likely came from a powerful family called the Huosi in Bavaria. Some stories say that Saint Corbinian saved him from a flood when he was a child. Corbinian's brother, Erembert, raised Arbeo. He was prepared for a life in the church and became a member of the Benedictine Order.
Arbeo first worked as a priest and a secretary for Bishop Joseph of Freising. He also helped manage the bishop's office. In 763, he became the head of a new monastery called Scharnitz Abbey. Just one year later, he took over from Joseph as the Bishop of Freising.
Bishop of Freising
During his time as bishop, several new monasteries were started in Bavaria. These included Innichen Abbey, Schäftlarn Abbey, and Schliersee. The monastery at Scharnitz was also moved to Schlehdorf Abbey.
Arbeo made sure that the important items belonging to Saint Corbinian were brought to Freising. He was a strong supporter of King Charlemagne. This was during a time when the Bavarian duke, Tassilo III, had disagreements with the Frankish kings. Arbeo might have lost his position as bishop later in his life because of his loyalty to Charlemagne.
Contributions to Learning
Arbeo started the first library and writing workshop (called a scriptorium) for the bishops in Freising. He is often seen as the first German writer whose name we know.
He is sometimes given credit for writing the Codex Abrogans. This is a special book that lists words in two languages: Latin and Old High German. Many people consider it to be the very first German book.
Arbeo was buried in Freising. People remember him in the Catholic Church on May 4th each year. It's possible he was related to Margrave Aribo of Austria, but this isn't fully proven.
Works
- Arbeonis episcopi Frisingensis vitae sanctorum Haimhrammi et Corbiniani (This means: "Lives of Saints Emmeram and Corbinian, by Arbeo, Bishop of Freising").
