Regino Von Prüm

Regino Von Prüm (born, Altriys, near Speyer, Upper Lorraine [Germany]—died c. 915, Trier) was a cleric and chronicler who composed several ecclesiastical works and a chronicle covering the period from Christ’s birth to the early 10th century.

Born to a noble family, Regino joined the Benedictine monastic order at the flourishing Abbey of Prüm and studied theology and canon law. He was elected abbot in 892 but was forced to abdicate in 899 because of intrigue and slander. He was then given direction of the monastery at Saint-Martin by Ratbod, archbishop of Trier; he restored the monastery and remained there until his death.

Regino’s most famous work is his Chronicon in two books: the first, covering the period from Christ’s birth to the year 718, comprises excerpts from previous chronicles, including that of Bede; the second, covering the period from the death of Charles Martel (741) to the year 907, was written by Regino himself, based on material from annals, letters, oral tradition, and personal memory. The Chronicon was continued after his death up to the year 967 and was first published in 1521. Regino’s other works include a treatise on canon law and a proposal for reform of church music.