Historical Figures

Gerbert dAurillac (c. 938 - 1003)

Gerbert became the first French pope in 999 under the name of Sylvester II. Gerbert is also a great scholar and a major political actor. His life is known to us through his numerous letters. He discovered the "quadrivium", the four sciences of the time:arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy. His science astonished the Pope and the Emperor Otto. He counts for his pupils Hugues Capet and his son Robert II. Adviser to Adalberon, he became pope in 999. He then tried with Otto III to establish a universal Christian empire, by uniting secular power and ecclesial power. The project will fail but will leave lasting traces.


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