Die Heiligen der Merowinger
"Die Heiligen der Merowinger" by Carl Albrecht Bernoulli is a historical and scholarly publication written in the late 19th or very early 20th century. The book examines the role, traditions, and cultural significance of saints within the Merovingian period of Frankish history, focusing on the evolution of hagiography and popular religious belief rather than on doctrinal development. Through critical historical analysis, Bernoulli explores how sainthood functioned as both social memory and catalyzing force within early medieval society, with particular attention to figures like St. Martin of Tours. The opening of the book provides a preface detailing the author's methodological approach and the challenges of reconstructing the popular, undogmatic religion of Merovingian Gaul, contrasting it with later, more theologically rigid periods. It then outlines the organization of the book, followed by a deep dive into the genesis of Christian hagiography. The initial chapters recount the life and legend of Martin of Tours as documented by Sulpicius Severus, highlighting Martin's transformation from a Roman soldier to a revered bishop and miracle-worker. Through summaries of key episodes—his acts of charity, miracles, resistance to paganism, and role as both monastic leader and public figure—the narrative demonstrates how Martin became a "standard saint" whose life, character, and reported miracles profoundly shaped Merovingian conceptions of holiness.