The Carolingian renaissance was a period of artistic, cultural and political renewal that took place most notably during the reign of Charlemagne. The sovereign adopted the customs and traditions of the ancient emperors, especially Augustus and the Christian Constantine, and tried to implement reforms to centralise power and bring about cultural and religious renewal. Charles’ Holy Roman Empire was therefore characterised by numerous religious reforms and new impulses in the architectural, poetic and philosophical spheres. A strong impulse for the Carolingian renaissance was given by the presence of scriptoria and monastic libraries, where, among other things, classical texts were studied and became a cultural vehicle.
