Charlemagne's Survey of the Holy Land

Reexamines a significant yet overlooked source from Charlemagne’s reign (768–814): a report from a fact-finding mission to the Christian church in the Holy Land, likely conducted in the early 9th century (circa 801–810). The document, known as the Basel Roll, contains three texts detailing the finances, monuments, and personnel of churches and monasteries in and around Jerusalem, offering the most detailed statistical portrait of a major Christian institution before the Domesday Book (1086). These include exact dimensions of buildings like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and partial records of the patriarch of Jerusalem’s expenditures.

McCormick argues that the survey, likely prompted by a request for funds from the Jerusalem patriarch, reflects Charlemagne’s ambition to assert influence over Christian communities under Islamic rule, outmaneuvering the Byzantine emperor. The analysis suggests the Palestinian church was in decline, with weakened ties to Byzantium, reduced wealth compared to late antiquity, and smaller, predominantly urban monastic communities. The presence of diverse languages (Greek, Latin, Georgian, Armenian, and Arabic) among hermits and clergy highlights a multicultural Christian landscape.

The book contextualizes this data with economic trends, archaeological evidence, and comparisons with Western and Eastern churches, portraying Charlemagne’s organizational prowess and trans-Mediterranean outreach. While the narrative aligns with his broader imperial goals, some question whether the decline was as steep as claimed or if the survey’s limited scope exaggerates the church’s plight. It remains a key resource for understanding medieval rulership, economics, and the Holy Land’s Christian history.