Frutolf of Michelsberg
The First Historian of the Middle Ages
Furtolf of Michelsberg (died 1103) monk of Michelsberg (Frutolf of Michaelsberg) (Bamberg, Germany), the first chronicler of the Middle Ages, he wrote a history of the world from the creation to his own time, two important treatises on music theory, and a book on the divine office.
Frutolf was a monk, and may have been prior of Michelsberg (Michaelsberg, St. Michael's) at Bamberg. He might have taught the quadrivium at the monastery and was definitely well versed in music, astronomy, and mathematics. From the range of his works, he appears to have been interested in compiling information and making it available in a collected form to others. He also bequeathed books to his monastery, some one chanting and others on musical theory.
His most well-known work is his history of the world from the creation to 1099. When he compiled this book, there had been no comprehensive world history written for two centuries. He is therefore considered the first historian of the Middle Ages. Frutolf worked to establish accurate chronologies and defined the truth when his sources disagree. In these cases, he stated his view but also included others so the reader could judge. He followed in the traditional style of annals, presenting evidence year by year, but he did vary his style, providing elaborate and complete accounts of important people like Alexander the Great and Charlemagne among others.
The history reveals the breadth and depth of Frutolf's knowledge. Extensive coverage of the material from the beginning to the ninth century existed. His sources include St. Jerome's translation of Eusebius's Chronicle -- which St. Jerome continued up to his own time (378), Isidore of Seville, Bede, Sigebert of Gembloux, Jordanes, Paul the Deacon, Frechulf of Lisieux, and Widukind of Corvey. For the 10th and early 11th centuries, he relied on a local chronicle from Würzburg, and the coverage is a bit thin. Starting with the middle of the 11th century, though, Frutolf presents original information, which is a major, independent source for the yearthiefs 1071 to 1098. The material that spans his own time indicates that he was more interested in political than ecclesiastical history. He treats the investiture controversy as more of a political event than a religious one, and he avoids taking sides.