Early modern archivists altered the perception of Goliardic poetry due to several intertwining cultural and scholarly reasons:

1. Moral and Religious Context: The Goliards were known for their satirical and often irreverent poetry, which criticized the clergy and societal norms. During the early modern period, especially in the context of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, the religious environment became more stringent, and there was a push to enforce moral standards. Archivists might have downplayed or ignored the more controversial aspects of Goliardic poetry to align with these prevailing moral and religious attitudes.

2. Literary Canon Formation: As the literary canon began to form, often influenced by humanist ideas, there was a tendency to prioritize works that were seen as embodying classical ideals or aligning with the emerging standards of literary excellence. Goliardic poetry, with its often bawdy and rebellious themes, did not easily fit into these categories.

3. Selective Preservation and Interpretation: Archivists and scholars may have selectively preserved works that reflected the cultural and intellectual values of their time while neglecting others. This selective preservation led to an altered perception of Goliardic poetry, emphasizing its less controversial elements.

4. Translation and Adaptation: As works were copied and translated, they were sometimes adapted to fit the tastes or moral standards of the era. This could lead to changes in tone or content, contributing to an altered perception.

These factors combined to reshape how Goliardic poetry was viewed in subsequent centuries, often underrepresenting its satirical and critical nature in favor of interpretations that were more palatable to contemporary sensibilities.

For more detailed insights, you might explore sources like:

• Sullivan, Karen. The Interrogation of Joan of Arc (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1999): A look into societal influences on literary interpretation.
• Various studies on the influence of the Reformation on literature, like this article on Goliardic poetry (Note: Please replace the placeholder link with actual relevant sources if you have access to such).

In any case, understanding these dynamics requires examining historical, cultural, and literary analysis studies, which provide a more nuanced perspective on how Goliardic poetry was perceived and preserved.