Theodulf was a Visigoth, probably born in northern Spain around 760, who became a significant figure in the court of Charlemagne. Although he was not from Germany, or even from Frankish territory, his contribution to the intellectual output of the Carolingian court was profound. His surviving works are in Latin, and his skill in this language marks him as one of the leading figures of his time.

Not much is known about Theodulf's early life. It is clear from his later activities, however, that he was well educated in the classical tradition and had a preference for authors from Spain, such as Isidore and Prudentius. He spent much of his adult life furthering the judicial, educational, and literary ideals of the Carolingian court society. It is likely that he was attracted by the stability and opportunity for learning at Charlemagne's court and wished to leave behind the troubled political...