This distant part of Charlemagne's realm was still troubled by frequent attacks from Moorish armies.
Theodulf and Alcuin of York, both non-Franks, were opinion makers and spokesmen for Charlemagne and his court. In the last years of the eighth century these two scholars vied for the king's favor, taking part in the friendly rivalry of the poets' circle that Charlemagne encouraged by way of entertainment. Alcuin was Charlemagne's adviser on theological and educational matters, Theodulf on the law and on relations with Rome. Theodulf was steeped in pre-Christian traditions, and his eclectic approach, along with the contributions of the Italian and British factions at the court, meant that Charlemagne was provided with a spectrum of opinion and an assembly of some of the best minds available. Much of the early work of Alcuin and Theodulf is of a collaborative nature, and identification of their individual contributions is difficult. Theodulf devoted much time to the production of copies of the Bible, and his learning ensured that the copying was carried out accurately. The version of the Vulgate that he helped to prepare included variant readings, a radical scholarly approach in a time not noted for its originality.
Theodulf was concerned about doctrinal content, but he also valued the physical appearance of the copyists' work and paid particular attention to illustration and binding.
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