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