The Bullary as a New Type of Cartulary: The Example of Becerro III of San Millán de la Cogolla

Research identifies the Becerro III of San Millán de la Cogolla as a groundbreaking 'proto-bullary,' an early example of a cartulary type dedicated to preserving papal documents. This manuscript, dating back to the 13th or 14th century, predates the widespread use of bullaria by several centuries and represents a precursor to this specialized cartulary form. The study reveals that despite its artificial nature, the monks' compilation of papal privileges in the Becerro III can be recognized as an innovative approach to documenting ecclesiastical authority, foreshadowing the later diffusion of bullaria across the Iberian Peninsula. This finding advances our understanding of the typological diversity and evolution of cartularies during the medieval period.

Agúndez San Miguel, L. (2024). The Bullary as a New Type of Cartulary: The Example of Becerro III of San Millán de la Cogolla. Studia Historica. Historia Medieval, 42(1), 71–92. https://doi.org/10.14201/shhme20234217192