Bernold of Constance facts for kids

Bernold of Constance (born around 1054, died September 16, 1100) was an important writer and historian. He lived in a time when the Church was going through big changes. Bernold strongly supported the reforms led by Pope Gregory VII. These reforms aimed to make the Church more independent and powerful.

Bernold's Early Life and Education

Bernold grew up and studied in a city called Constance. His teacher was a famous person named Bernard of Constance. In 1079, Bernold traveled to Rome, Italy. He attended an important meeting called the Lenten Synod. At this meeting, a scholar named Berengarius of Tours changed his mind about some of his teachings.

Time in Italy and Important Meetings

Bernold stayed in Italy until 1084. He likely attended another big meeting called the Council of Piacenza. This meeting was very important for him. Bernold's writings are a main source of information about what happened there. He wrote that representatives from the Byzantine Emperor Alexius I came to Piacenza. They were looking for help to fight against certain groups. This discussion might have played a part in starting the First Crusade, though it's not fully clear.

Becoming a Priest and Monk

After returning to Constance, Bernold became a priest. A special Church official, called a papal legate, ordained him. In 1086, he joined Bishop Gebhard to advise Herman, who was trying to become the Holy Roman Emperor. Around this time, Bernold became a monk. He first joined the Abbey of St Blasien in the Black Forest. Later, in 1091, he moved to the Abbey of All Saints in Schaffhausen, where he lived until he died.

Bernold's Important Writings

Bernold wrote many important texts, with seventeen of them still existing today. Most of these writings were defenses of the Pope's policies. They supported the Pope's authority and defended people who followed his ideas in Germany.

Defending the Pope's Ideas

Some of his most important works include:

• De prohibendâ sacerdotum incontinentiâ: This writing argued against priests being married.
• De damnatione schismaticorum and Apologeticus super excommunicationem Gregorii VII: These explained why it was right to remove people from the Church (excommunicate them). This included Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor and his supporters, who disagreed with Pope Gregory VII.

The Chronicon (Chronicle)

Bernold also wrote a famous history book called the Chronicon. This book covers the years from 1054 to 1100. The later parts of the book are like a diary of events. Bernold was an intelligent observer who strongly supported the Pope. The Chronicon mostly focuses on the politics of the Pope's court. It also describes the disagreements between the Church leaders and nobles in Germany. Bernold briefly wrote about important events like wars, famines, and the deaths of famous people.

Micrologus and Church Services

Around 1085, Bernold wrote another significant book called Micrologus de ecclesiasticis observationibus. This was a long explanation of how Church services (like Mass) should be performed. It became a very important guide for Church practices during the Middle Ages. Thanks to Bernold, churches in Germany had a more common way of performing their services. His ideas for the Mass were also adopted in Hungary around 1100, following orders from local bishops.