Charles the Fat’s Palace at Sélestat: A New Carolingian Imperial Residence

As Emperor of the Carolingian Empire, Charles the Fat begins the construction of a new palace at Sélestat in Alsace, inspired by Charlemagne’s grand imperial palace at Aachen. This decision reflects Charles’ ambition to emulate Charlemagne, as described in Notker Balbulus’ (Gesta Karoli Magni), while also addressing the political realities of his reign.

Why Build a Palace at Sélestat?

1. A Necessary Alternative to Aachen

   • The palace of Aachen, built by Charlemagne, had served as the imperial seat of the Carolingians.
   • However, Aachen lay within the kingdom of Charles’ brother, Louis the Younger (King of East Francia), making it politically impractical for Charles to establish his court there.
   • A new palace would provide Charles with his own imperial residence, reinforcing his authority.

2. Strategic Location in Western Alemannia

   • Sélestat, located in Alsace, lies within Charles’ core territory in western Alemannia, ensuring that it remains under his direct control.
   • The location is more central to the empire than Aachen, allowing for easier administration of Lotharingia, Burgundy, and East Francia.

3. Symbolic Continuation of Carolingian Imperial Tradition

   • By modeling Sélestat after Aachen, Charles strengthens his claim as the rightful heir of Charlemagne’s legacy.
   • This reflects his desire to reunite the fractured Carolingian Empire, much like Charlemagne had unified Western Europe.

Palatial Features: Inspired by Aachen

• While details of the palace’s construction are scarce, it likely followed the Aachen model, incorporating:
  • A grand aula regia (royal hall) for imperial audiences.
  • A palatine chapel, mirroring Charlemagne’s famous octagonal church at Aachen.
  • Fortifications and administrative buildings to serve as the empire’s political and ceremonial center.

Legacy and Historical Context

• Charles’ reign is plagued by Viking invasions, noble revolts, and internal fragmentation, and his imperial ambitions ultimately fail to restore the unity of the Carolingian Empire.
• The palace at Sélestat does not achieve the historical prominence of Aachen, reflecting the declining power of the late Carolingian rulers.
• Nonetheless, its construction symbolizes the continuing influence of Charlemagne’s vision, even as the Carolingian world disintegrates into feudal principalities.

Conclusion

Charles the Fat’s construction of the Sélestat palace represents both a strategic necessity and an ideological statement, reinforcing his imperial authority while acknowledging Charlemagne’s enduring legacy. However, his inability to effectively govern his vast realm prevents Sélestat from becoming the true imperial capital of a restored Carolingian Empire.

Martin Bucer Joins the Dominican Order (1506)

In 1506, at the age of fifteen, Martin Bucer (Butzer) entered the Dominican Order, marking the beginning of a significant religious and intellectual journey. Bucer's decision to become a Dominican friar reflected the profound influence of monastic education and religious scholarship prevalent throughout Atlantic West Europe during this period.

As a Dominican, Bucer gained rigorous scholastic training, immersing himself deeply in philosophy, theology, and biblical studies—foundational experiences that would later shape his influential role in the religious transformations of the Reformation. His early exposure to Dominican teachings and humanist scholarship profoundly influenced his theological outlook and approach to religious reform.

Intellectual and Cultural Significance:

Bucer’s early Dominican formation laid crucial intellectual groundwork for his later engagement with humanist ideas and religious reform. His rigorous monastic education and exposure to biblical scholarship prepared him to become one of the Reformation’s leading theologians and reformers, especially known for his emphasis on moderation, dialogue, and unity among emerging Protestant movements.

Consequences and Legacy:

Martin Bucer’s entry into the Dominican Order in 1506 had long-term implications for European religious history. The scholarly rigor and theological sophistication he acquired as a Dominican eventually enabled him to become a pivotal mediator and influential figure in the religious debates of the Protestant Reformation, significantly impacting the development of Protestant theology and church practices in Atlantic West Europe.

...decisively crushed the peasant uprising at the battle near Sélestat on May 20.

Long-term Consequences and Significance

Antoine’s military successes against Protestant uprisings ensured Lorraine remained staunchly Catholic during the turbulent early years of the Reformation. His decisive suppression of the peasants' revolt reinforced ducal authority and contributed to stabilizing Lorraine politically and socially during this critical juncture. The duke’s military skill and alignment with French interests would maintain Lorraine's influential position amid the shifting alliances and conflicts of early sixteenth-century Europe.

At least thirty accused witches are burned in 1629 at Schlettstadt—the beginning of a five-year persecution.

In Mainz, too, the burnings are renewed.