Gozbald facts for kids

Gozbald, also known as Gozbaldus or Gauzbaldus in Latin, was an important church leader who lived a long time ago. He was the head of a monastery called Niederaltaich Abbey starting in 825. Later, in 842, he became the bishop of Würzburg and held both positions until he passed away on September 20, 855. He also helped out as a special bishop (called a chorbishop) in the diocese of Passau. Some historians believe Gozbald was part of a noble family called the Hattonians.

Gozbald's Early Life and Education

Gozbald was likely from a noble family in a region called East Franconia. He probably received his education at a famous monastery school in Fulda. After his studies, he became a monk at Neustadt am Main Abbey.

In 825, Gozbald became the abbot, or leader, of Niederaltaich Abbey. At that time, there were sixteen monks there. He stayed in this role for the rest of his life. Gozbald made sure his monastery kept in touch with the teachers at Fulda. This helped both monastic schools learn from each other.

During his time as abbot, Gozbald was very interested in books and learning. He arranged for a copy of a very important book called De civitate Dei by Augustine of Hippo to be made. He also got many other books for the library at the Würzburg cathedral. These included Bibles, explanations of religious texts, and classic works.

Working with King Louis the German

From 830, Gozbald worked closely with Louis the German, who was the king of Bavaria. Gozbald was the king's archchaplain and chancellor. These were important jobs, like being a chief advisor and head of the king's writing office.

In 833, King Louis decided to split these jobs between two different people. Gozbald remained a trusted friend and advisor to King Louis.

Gozbald had a student named Ermanrich who later became a bishop himself. Ermanrich even wrote a biography (a life story) of Hariolf, who founded a monastery called Ellwangen Abbey. He dedicated this book to Gozbald, his teacher, because Gozbald was a relative of Hariolf.

Becoming Bishop of Würzburg

Gozbald owned a church in a place called Kleinochsenfurt in 838. King Louis the German rewarded Gozbald for his loyal service in June 841. He gave Gozbald some land in Ingolstadt. This happened during a time of civil war, which was a conflict between different parts of the empire after the death of Emperor Louis the Pious.

After the bishop of Würzburg, Humbert, passed away in 842, King Louis chose Gozbald to take his place. For several years, Gozbald was one of the few bishops in the eastern part of the empire who was completely loyal to King Louis. Other bishops were loyal to different leaders.

Gozbald's Work as Bishop

As bishop, Gozbald was one of the leaders in border areas who gained the right to trade land with local noblemen. This helped to strengthen the kingdom's control along the border with the Slavs.

Gozbald also worked to get important religious items called relics for his church. He acquired relics of saints Cyprian and Sebastian for his church in Kleinochsenfurt. King Louis even sent him to Rome to get relics of Agapitus and Felicissimus for a church in Isarhofen. Gozbald wrote a story about this trip, called the Translation of the Holy Martyrs Agapitus and Felicissimus.

During his time as bishop, Gozbald added 35 more books to the cathedral library. He made sure the collection of Old Testament books was complete and added more New Testament works. He also brought in books by famous writers like Cicero, Isidore, and Cassiodorus. The monastery's writing workshop, called a scriptorium, was very busy during Gozbald's time, producing many new books.

Sadly, shortly before Gozbald died, the Würzburg Cathedral was damaged by lightning and caught fire. After his time as bishop, the area had to work on rebuilding.