Reform, Queenship and the End of the World in Tenth-Century France: Adso's "Letter on the Origin and Time of the Antichrist" Reconsidered.

The article discusses the "Letter on the Origin and Time of the Antichrist," written between 949 and 954 by Adso, abbot of the monastery of Montier-en-Der in the Champagne region of France. The letter was written at the request of Queen Gerberga of West Francia. The article examines why the queen would request that an obscure monk compose a treatise on the end of the world and the Antichrist. The author explains that Adso's treatise describes how the Antichrist will be born in Babylon with Jewish parents. The author states that Adso was the first writer to personify the Antichrist. Religious fear during this time is also discussed.