Annals of the University of Ingolstadt

OF JOHANN ENGERD

...among all ages and nations that have been wonderfully conceived and fortunately invented, none has ever been more noble than to dedicate the monuments of ancient affairs and the commemoration of antiquity to posterity. For is not History (to speak with Antonius from the works of Marcus Tullius Cicero, the prince of Orators) the witness of the ages, the light of truth, the life of memory, the teacher of life, and the messenger of antiquity? original: "testis est temporum, lux veritatis, vita memoriæ, magistra vitæ, & nuntia vetustatis"; a famous definition from Cicero's De Oratore. Did not the same Marcus Cicero truly say—what an Egyptian priest had previously said to Solon—that to be ignorant of what happened before you were born is to remain forever a child? original: "nescire, quid antea quam natus sis acciderit, id est, semper puerum esse"; from Cicero's Orator. If, therefore, the knowledge of ancient things greatly benefits those who lead a private life, it is much more to be sought—indeed, it is quite necessary—for those who, born in the highest station, hold and guide the reins of public affairs.

Indeed, this very thought so vehemently inflamed that great Emperor Charlemagne Carolus Magnus: King of the Franks and the first Holy Roman Emperor, King of the Franks in both Germany and Gaul, that he was not only concerned with gathering from every side the more ancient histories of his Germans—which had previously been commonly sung in numerous rhythms, as is still often the case—and arranging them into a fit and elegant sequence of times and deeds; he also, by generously offering rewards, stirred up many skillful writers of our fatherland. Furthermore, whenever his imperial and royal occupations allowed, he himself took up that most noble work of the historiographers with no light touch; he was surely destined to leave a distinguished example for other kings and princes to imitate.

For if there is ever any art that diligently preserves the words, deeds, and counsels of men, firmly protects memory, clearly illustrates the truth, rightly guides life, renders the changes of the ages in an orderly fashion, and faithfully announces ancient things removed by vast spans from human memory, it must certainly be received from History. History discusses the customs and lives of men, virtues and vices, and the arts of ruling somewhat more illustriously and effectively than many other disciplines. In History, first the counsels, then the acts, and finally the outcomes are fruitfully explained. In History, one finds recorded in great detail not only what was done or said, but also how, in what place, at what time, and by whom...