Abbon of Fleury

Abbon of Fleury , or Abbo Floriacensis (c. 945-1004), a learned Frenchman, born near Orleans? about 945. He distinguished himself in the schools of Paris and Reims?, and was especially proficient in science as known in his time. He spent two years in England, assisting Archbishop Oswald of York in restoring the monastic system, and was abbot of Romsey. After his return to France he was made abbot of the important monastery of Fleury on the Loire (988). He was twice sent to Rome by King [Robert the Pious]? (986, 996), and on each occasion succeeded in warding off a threatened papal interdict. He was killed at La Reole in 1004, in endeavouring to quell a monkish revolt. He wrote an Epitomie de vitis Romanorum pontificum, besides treatises on controversial topics and letters. His life, written by his disciple Aimoin of Fleury, in which much of Abbon's correspondence was reproduced, is of great importance as a source for the reign of Robert II, especially with reference to the Papacy.