The History of the Franks

In what ways does Christianity shape Gregory’s view of history? What does History of the Franks reveal about the role of the Church and bishops like Gregory in 6th-century society?

Analyze the succession rules and conflicts of the Merovingian Dynasty in the History. How did the Merovingian succession compare with those of other major monarchies of the time? What were the strengths and weaknesses of this succession? What does Gregory suggest about the nature of the Merovingian Dynasty more generally?

Gregory of Tours uses methods common to historians, such as evaluating and drawing on primary sources (120-24). What role do primary sources play in his History? What does his use and interpretation of these sources reveal about his own views and intentions?

Name and discuss three elements of life in early medieval Europe that are discussed in the History of the Franks. How are these elements depicted? What do they reveal about the culture, religion, politics, and/or society of the time more generally?

Examine the use of omens, prophecies, and miracles in the History. How are such elements depicted? What is the wider significance of these elements in the text?

Analyze Gregory’s ideas regarding leadership. What qualities or behaviors does he associate with good rulers? How are these qualities different or similar to those of bad leaders?

Discuss Gregory’s portrayal of women in the History. What does Gregory’s treatment of famous women reveal about the roles and gender expectations common at the time? In what ways do the women he features conform to, or diverge from, these roles and expectations?

Gregory openly addresses religious controversies common in his own day, like the split between Catholicism and Arianism (See: Background) and the appearance of unorthodox religious sects. What do these religious controversies reveal about the religious culture of Gregory’s time? What insights can we gain into the history of early Christianity through reading the History?