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Research paper thumbnail of Tutor ac Nutritor. Episcopal Agency, Lordship and the Administration of Religious Communities (Ecclesiastical Province of Rheims c. 888-1073)

Tutor ac Nutritor. Episcopal Agency, Lordship and the Administration of Religious Communities (Ecclesiastical Province of Rheims c. 888-1073), 2016

Doctoral dissertation defended in 2016 on bishops' interactions with religious communities in the... more Doctoral dissertation defended in 2016 on bishops' interactions with religious communities in the Carolingian and post-Carolingian era.

Articles by Ortwin Huysmans

Research paper thumbnail of Tenth-Century Monastic Reform as a Historiographical Problem

Revue Bénédictine, 2020

This article discusses the state of the art on monastic reforms in the long tenth-century Frankis... more This article discusses the state of the art on monastic reforms in the long tenth-century Frankish kingdoms and the analytic problems inherent to reform terminology. It argues that the emendatory undertone, the idea of renewal and the institutional connotation of the term ‘reform’ seem to be at odds with the tenth-century sources on the variegated interventions in religious communities. Furthermore, the difficulties scholars encounter in pinpointing the chronology and ideology of this ‘reform movement’ indicates another flaw of this paradigm. The author therefore proposes three major adjustments to render the term ‘reform’ a meaning that is both well-defined and applicable. First, the concept of reform is only practical when used in an active sense, to denote a sweeping intervention which profoundly altered a monastery’s network, observance, temporalities or internal organization. Second, the paradigm can only be meaningful on the micro-level of an individual institution. Third, the study of ‘reforms’ should always be part of a comprehensive analysis of interactions and patronship between an abbey and its noble and ecclesiastical connections. Lastly, this article offers a new approach to tenth-century monasticism, which focuses more on agency of both the community and the regional powerbrokers involved in monastic patronage.

Research paper thumbnail of Réformes monastiques et gestion épiscopale des communautés religieuses dans les Gesta Episcoporum Cameracensium

This article reevaluates the monastic interventions of Bishop Gerard I of Cambrai-Arras (r. 1012-... more This article reevaluates the monastic interventions of Bishop Gerard I of Cambrai-Arras (r. 1012-1051) through an analysis of his predecessors' gradual acquisition of secular power and a comparitive inquiry into the 'reforms' within the counties of Hainaut and Flanders.

Research paper thumbnail of The Investiture Controversy in the Diocese of Liège reconsidered. An Inquiry into the Positions of the Abbeys of Saint-Hubert and Saint-Laurent and the Canonist Alger of Liège (1091-1106)

Medieval Liège at the Crossroads of Europe. Monastic Society and Culture, 1000-1300

This article reassesses the impact of the Investiture Controversy on the late-eleventh and early-... more This article reassesses the impact of the Investiture Controversy on the late-eleventh and early-twelfth century diocese of Liège. It argues that the image of an papalist rebellion against the imperialist Bishop Otbert is too one-sided and that enmities between the prelate and the abbeys of Saint-Hubert and Saint-Laurent were chiefly induced by the bishop's highhanded interventions in the monasteries' internal affairs.

Research paper thumbnail of Pious Foundation or Political Masterstroke? The Chronicon Mosamense and the Reform of Mouzon by Archbishop Adalbero of Reims (969-989)

This paper examines the geopolitical motives and the familial interests underlying the foundation... more This paper examines the geopolitical motives and the familial interests underlying the foundation of Mouzon by Archbishop Adalbero of Reims (r. 969-989) and the preceding capture of the castle of Warcq. Also, it aims to reinterpret the Chronicle of Mouzon as an apologetic document and to reconsider the source's date of composition.

Research paper thumbnail of Excommunication under discussion in the early twelfth century diocese of Liège: A comparative inquiry into the opinions of Lambert of St.-Hubert and Sigebert of Gembloux.

During the late eleventh and early twelfth century, excommunication became a frequent weapon in t... more During the late eleventh and early twelfth century, excommunication became a frequent weapon in the bishopric of Liège, wielded by Bishop Otbert (r. 1091-1122), Pope Urban II and Paschal II as well as the Abbot of Saint-Hubert, Theodoric II. This paper compares the use and justification of this penalty by Lambert the Younger, author of the Chronicle of Saint-Hubert, and Sigebert of Gembloux.

Research paper thumbnail of Peace and Purges. Episcopal Administration of Religious Communities and the Contested See of Reims (c. 931-953)

From 925 onward, the archiepiscopal city of Reims became the stake of a prolonged and fierce stru... more From 925 onward, the archiepiscopal city of Reims became the stake of a prolonged and fierce struggle between the major dynasties that dominated the West-Frankish heartland. Until around 961, two claimants, each backed up by powerful secular magnates, disputed the right to the see. This article examines how two rival archbishops, Hugh (r. 925-31 and 940-46) and Artald (r. 931-940 and 946-61) responded to the political disturbance in their diocese through the administration and management of abbeys and canonries.

Papers by Ortwin Huysmans

Research paper thumbnail of Measuring the impact of the pals/gals methodology on horticulture communities in Southern Ethiopia

Stakeholder interests often are a stumbling block to a thorough and critical internal analysis of... more Stakeholder interests often are a stumbling block to a thorough and critical internal analysis of development projects. Instead, independent consultants, who are not involved in the implementation of the project, likely have a more unbiased view. This introduction will first discuss the different scholarly views on the complex interrelation between development and women empowerment. Subsequently, more theoretical part will elaborate on the role of process and agency in empowerment. The next section discusses the structural, contextual elements affecting the agency of beneficiaries and SNV staff alike. The emphasis will be on the contrasting cultural dimensions between these stakeholders. A last part will explain the methodology of the research and the frameworks used to structure the new findings.

Research paper thumbnail of Tenth-Century Monastic Reform as a Historiographical Problem

Revue Bénédictine, 2020

This article discusses the state of the art on monastic reforms in the long tenth-century Frankis... more This article discusses the state of the art on monastic reforms in the long tenth-century Frankish kingdoms and the analytic problems inherent to reform terminology. It argues that the emendatory undertone, the idea of renewal and the institutional connotation of the term ‘reform’ seem to be at odds with the tenth-century sources on the variegated interventions in religious communities. Furthermore, the difficulties scholars encounter in pinpointing the chronology and ideology of this ‘reform movement’ indicates another flaw of this paradigm. The author therefore proposes three major adjustments to render the term ‘reform’ a meaning that is both well-defined and applicable. First, the concept of reform is only practical when used in an active sense, to denote a sweeping intervention which profoundly altered a monastery’s network, observance, temporalities or internal organization. Second, the paradigm can only be meaningful on the micro-level of an individual institution. Third, the study of ‘reforms’ should always be part of a comprehensive analysis of interactions and patronship between an abbey and its noble and ecclesiastical connections. Lastly, this article offers a new approach to tenth-century monasticism, which focuses more on agency of both the community and the regional powerbrokers involved in monastic patronage.

Research paper thumbnail of Excommunication under discussion in the early twelfth century diocese of Liège: A comparative inquiry into the opinions of Lambert of St.-Hubert and Sigebert of Gembloux

During the late eleventh and early twelfth century, excommunication became a frequent weapon in t... more During the late eleventh and early twelfth century, excommunication became a frequent weapon in the bishopric of Liège, wielded by Bishop Otbert (r. 1091-1122), Pope Urban II and Paschal II as well as the Abbot of Saint-Hubert, Theodoric II. This paper compares the use and justification of this penalty by Lambert the Younger, author of the Chronicle of Saint-Hubert, and Sigebert of Gembloux.

Research paper thumbnail of Tutor ac Nutritor. Episcopal Agency, Lordship and the Administration of Religious Communities in the Ecclesiastical Province of Rheims (c. 888 -1073)

Research paper thumbnail of Peace and Purges : Episcopal Administration of Religious Communities and the Contested See of Reims (c. 931-953)

Revue Bénédictine, 2016

From 931 onward, the see of Reims became the stake of a fierce and protracted conflict between tw... more From 931 onward, the see of Reims became the stake of a fierce and protracted conflict between two episcopal claimants, Hugh (r. 925-931 and 940-946) and Artald (r. 931-940 and 946-961). 1 The story of this contest has been retold countless times, most comprehensively by R. McKitterick, G. Koziol and J. Glenn. 2 Essentially, the contest was rooted in the conflicting ambitions of Count Heribert II of Vermandois at one side, and the West-Frankish monarchs at the other. At one side, Heribert strove to expand his principality with territories between the rivers Seine and Meuse, some of which had previously belonged to the royal demesne of the Carolingians. His aspirations were thwarted by the fierce resistance of the Bosonid King Radulf (r. 923-936) and his successor, the vigorous young Carolingian Louis IV (r. 936-954). Both parties struggled to control the metropolitan city of Reims, and each installed their own candidate on the archiepiscopal see. 3 Meanwhile, other prominent potentates, such 1. This contribution was effected as part of the OT-project Reform and the Bishop : Episcopal attitudes towards the administration and reform of religious communities during the Central Middle Ages (ecclesiastical province of Rheims, c. 900-c. 1100), funded by the Research Council of the KU Leuven and supervised by Professor Brigitte Meijns. I would like to express my gratitude to Professor Geoffrey Koziol (UC Berkeley) and to Professor Brigitte Meijns (KU Leuven) for their most valuable and enriching comments on earlier drafts. 2. Rosamond McKitterick, 'The Carolingian Kings and the See of Rheims, 883-987', in

Research paper thumbnail of Réformes monastiques et gestion épiscopale des communautés religieuses dans lesGesta episcoporum Cameracensium

Revue du Nord, 2015

Ortwin Huysmans, « Réformes monastiques et gestion épiscopale des communautés religieuses dans le... more Ortwin Huysmans, « Réformes monastiques et gestion épiscopale des communautés religieuses dans les Gesta episcoporum Cameracensium », Revue du Nord 2015/2 (n° 410), p. 263-281.

Research paper thumbnail of Pious Foundation or Strategic Masterstroke? The Chronicon Mosomense and the Reform of Mouzon by Archbishop Adalbero of Reims (969-989)

Revue d'Histoire Ecclésiastique, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of The Investiture Controversy in the Diocese of Liège Reconsidered: An Inquiry into the Positions of the Abbeys of Saint-Hubert and Saint-Laurent and the Canonist Alger of Liège (1091-1106)

Medieval Church Studies, 2017

This article reassesses the impact of the Investiture Controversy on the late-eleventh and early-... more This article reassesses the impact of the Investiture Controversy on the late-eleventh and early-twelfth century diocese of Liège. It argues that the image of an papalist rebellion against the imperialist Bishop Otbert is too one-sided and that enmities between the prelate and the abbeys of Saint-Hubert and Saint-Laurent were chiefly induced by the bishop's highhanded interventions in the monasteries' internal affairs.

Research paper thumbnail of Tutor ac Nutritor. Episcopal Agency, Lordship and the Administration of Religious Communities (Ecclesiastical Province of Rheims c. 888-1073)

Tutor ac Nutritor. Episcopal Agency, Lordship and the Administration of Religious Communities (Ecclesiastical Province of Rheims c. 888-1073), 2016

Doctoral dissertation defended in 2016 on bishops' interactions with religious communities in the... more Doctoral dissertation defended in 2016 on bishops' interactions with religious communities in the Carolingian and post-Carolingian era.

Research paper thumbnail of Tenth-Century Monastic Reform as a Historiographical Problem

Revue Bénédictine, 2020

This article discusses the state of the art on monastic reforms in the long tenth-century Frankis... more This article discusses the state of the art on monastic reforms in the long tenth-century Frankish kingdoms and the analytic problems inherent to reform terminology. It argues that the emendatory undertone, the idea of renewal and the institutional connotation of the term ‘reform’ seem to be at odds with the tenth-century sources on the variegated interventions in religious communities. Furthermore, the difficulties scholars encounter in pinpointing the chronology and ideology of this ‘reform movement’ indicates another flaw of this paradigm. The author therefore proposes three major adjustments to render the term ‘reform’ a meaning that is both well-defined and applicable. First, the concept of reform is only practical when used in an active sense, to denote a sweeping intervention which profoundly altered a monastery’s network, observance, temporalities or internal organization. Second, the paradigm can only be meaningful on the micro-level of an individual institution. Third, the study of ‘reforms’ should always be part of a comprehensive analysis of interactions and patronship between an abbey and its noble and ecclesiastical connections. Lastly, this article offers a new approach to tenth-century monasticism, which focuses more on agency of both the community and the regional powerbrokers involved in monastic patronage.

Research paper thumbnail of Réformes monastiques et gestion épiscopale des communautés religieuses dans les Gesta Episcoporum Cameracensium

This article reevaluates the monastic interventions of Bishop Gerard I of Cambrai-Arras (r. 1012-... more This article reevaluates the monastic interventions of Bishop Gerard I of Cambrai-Arras (r. 1012-1051) through an analysis of his predecessors' gradual acquisition of secular power and a comparitive inquiry into the 'reforms' within the counties of Hainaut and Flanders.

Research paper thumbnail of The Investiture Controversy in the Diocese of Liège reconsidered. An Inquiry into the Positions of the Abbeys of Saint-Hubert and Saint-Laurent and the Canonist Alger of Liège (1091-1106)

Medieval Liège at the Crossroads of Europe. Monastic Society and Culture, 1000-1300

This article reassesses the impact of the Investiture Controversy on the late-eleventh and early-... more This article reassesses the impact of the Investiture Controversy on the late-eleventh and early-twelfth century diocese of Liège. It argues that the image of an papalist rebellion against the imperialist Bishop Otbert is too one-sided and that enmities between the prelate and the abbeys of Saint-Hubert and Saint-Laurent were chiefly induced by the bishop's highhanded interventions in the monasteries' internal affairs.

Research paper thumbnail of Pious Foundation or Political Masterstroke? The Chronicon Mosamense and the Reform of Mouzon by Archbishop Adalbero of Reims (969-989)

This paper examines the geopolitical motives and the familial interests underlying the foundation... more This paper examines the geopolitical motives and the familial interests underlying the foundation of Mouzon by Archbishop Adalbero of Reims (r. 969-989) and the preceding capture of the castle of Warcq. Also, it aims to reinterpret the Chronicle of Mouzon as an apologetic document and to reconsider the source's date of composition.

Research paper thumbnail of Excommunication under discussion in the early twelfth century diocese of Liège: A comparative inquiry into the opinions of Lambert of St.-Hubert and Sigebert of Gembloux.

During the late eleventh and early twelfth century, excommunication became a frequent weapon in t... more During the late eleventh and early twelfth century, excommunication became a frequent weapon in the bishopric of Liège, wielded by Bishop Otbert (r. 1091-1122), Pope Urban II and Paschal II as well as the Abbot of Saint-Hubert, Theodoric II. This paper compares the use and justification of this penalty by Lambert the Younger, author of the Chronicle of Saint-Hubert, and Sigebert of Gembloux.

Research paper thumbnail of Peace and Purges. Episcopal Administration of Religious Communities and the Contested See of Reims (c. 931-953)

From 925 onward, the archiepiscopal city of Reims became the stake of a prolonged and fierce stru... more From 925 onward, the archiepiscopal city of Reims became the stake of a prolonged and fierce struggle between the major dynasties that dominated the West-Frankish heartland. Until around 961, two claimants, each backed up by powerful secular magnates, disputed the right to the see. This article examines how two rival archbishops, Hugh (r. 925-31 and 940-46) and Artald (r. 931-940 and 946-61) responded to the political disturbance in their diocese through the administration and management of abbeys and canonries.

Research paper thumbnail of Measuring the impact of the pals/gals methodology on horticulture communities in Southern Ethiopia

Stakeholder interests often are a stumbling block to a thorough and critical internal analysis of... more Stakeholder interests often are a stumbling block to a thorough and critical internal analysis of development projects. Instead, independent consultants, who are not involved in the implementation of the project, likely have a more unbiased view. This introduction will first discuss the different scholarly views on the complex interrelation between development and women empowerment. Subsequently, more theoretical part will elaborate on the role of process and agency in empowerment. The next section discusses the structural, contextual elements affecting the agency of beneficiaries and SNV staff alike. The emphasis will be on the contrasting cultural dimensions between these stakeholders. A last part will explain the methodology of the research and the frameworks used to structure the new findings.

Research paper thumbnail of Tenth-Century Monastic Reform as a Historiographical Problem

Revue Bénédictine, 2020

This article discusses the state of the art on monastic reforms in the long tenth-century Frankis... more This article discusses the state of the art on monastic reforms in the long tenth-century Frankish kingdoms and the analytic problems inherent to reform terminology. It argues that the emendatory undertone, the idea of renewal and the institutional connotation of the term ‘reform’ seem to be at odds with the tenth-century sources on the variegated interventions in religious communities. Furthermore, the difficulties scholars encounter in pinpointing the chronology and ideology of this ‘reform movement’ indicates another flaw of this paradigm. The author therefore proposes three major adjustments to render the term ‘reform’ a meaning that is both well-defined and applicable. First, the concept of reform is only practical when used in an active sense, to denote a sweeping intervention which profoundly altered a monastery’s network, observance, temporalities or internal organization. Second, the paradigm can only be meaningful on the micro-level of an individual institution. Third, the study of ‘reforms’ should always be part of a comprehensive analysis of interactions and patronship between an abbey and its noble and ecclesiastical connections. Lastly, this article offers a new approach to tenth-century monasticism, which focuses more on agency of both the community and the regional powerbrokers involved in monastic patronage.

Research paper thumbnail of Excommunication under discussion in the early twelfth century diocese of Liège: A comparative inquiry into the opinions of Lambert of St.-Hubert and Sigebert of Gembloux

During the late eleventh and early twelfth century, excommunication became a frequent weapon in t... more During the late eleventh and early twelfth century, excommunication became a frequent weapon in the bishopric of Liège, wielded by Bishop Otbert (r. 1091-1122), Pope Urban II and Paschal II as well as the Abbot of Saint-Hubert, Theodoric II. This paper compares the use and justification of this penalty by Lambert the Younger, author of the Chronicle of Saint-Hubert, and Sigebert of Gembloux.

Research paper thumbnail of Tutor ac Nutritor. Episcopal Agency, Lordship and the Administration of Religious Communities in the Ecclesiastical Province of Rheims (c. 888 -1073)

Research paper thumbnail of Peace and Purges : Episcopal Administration of Religious Communities and the Contested See of Reims (c. 931-953)

Revue Bénédictine, 2016

From 931 onward, the see of Reims became the stake of a fierce and protracted conflict between tw... more From 931 onward, the see of Reims became the stake of a fierce and protracted conflict between two episcopal claimants, Hugh (r. 925-931 and 940-946) and Artald (r. 931-940 and 946-961). 1 The story of this contest has been retold countless times, most comprehensively by R. McKitterick, G. Koziol and J. Glenn. 2 Essentially, the contest was rooted in the conflicting ambitions of Count Heribert II of Vermandois at one side, and the West-Frankish monarchs at the other. At one side, Heribert strove to expand his principality with territories between the rivers Seine and Meuse, some of which had previously belonged to the royal demesne of the Carolingians. His aspirations were thwarted by the fierce resistance of the Bosonid King Radulf (r. 923-936) and his successor, the vigorous young Carolingian Louis IV (r. 936-954). Both parties struggled to control the metropolitan city of Reims, and each installed their own candidate on the archiepiscopal see. 3 Meanwhile, other prominent potentates, such 1. This contribution was effected as part of the OT-project Reform and the Bishop : Episcopal attitudes towards the administration and reform of religious communities during the Central Middle Ages (ecclesiastical province of Rheims, c. 900-c. 1100), funded by the Research Council of the KU Leuven and supervised by Professor Brigitte Meijns. I would like to express my gratitude to Professor Geoffrey Koziol (UC Berkeley) and to Professor Brigitte Meijns (KU Leuven) for their most valuable and enriching comments on earlier drafts. 2. Rosamond McKitterick, 'The Carolingian Kings and the See of Rheims, 883-987', in

Research paper thumbnail of Réformes monastiques et gestion épiscopale des communautés religieuses dans lesGesta episcoporum Cameracensium

Revue du Nord, 2015

Ortwin Huysmans, « Réformes monastiques et gestion épiscopale des communautés religieuses dans le... more Ortwin Huysmans, « Réformes monastiques et gestion épiscopale des communautés religieuses dans les Gesta episcoporum Cameracensium », Revue du Nord 2015/2 (n° 410), p. 263-281.

Research paper thumbnail of Pious Foundation or Strategic Masterstroke? The Chronicon Mosomense and the Reform of Mouzon by Archbishop Adalbero of Reims (969-989)

Revue d'Histoire Ecclésiastique, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of The Investiture Controversy in the Diocese of Liège Reconsidered: An Inquiry into the Positions of the Abbeys of Saint-Hubert and Saint-Laurent and the Canonist Alger of Liège (1091-1106)

Medieval Church Studies, 2017

This article reassesses the impact of the Investiture Controversy on the late-eleventh and early-... more This article reassesses the impact of the Investiture Controversy on the late-eleventh and early-twelfth century diocese of Liège. It argues that the image of an papalist rebellion against the imperialist Bishop Otbert is too one-sided and that enmities between the prelate and the abbeys of Saint-Hubert and Saint-Laurent were chiefly induced by the bishop's highhanded interventions in the monasteries' internal affairs.