Why is Medieval history a major period of interest for anyone? - Historum

Ismology · May 14th, 2009, 09:54 PM

Why is Medieval history a major period of interest for anyone?

More specifically, European Medieval history. I mean, there was relatively little advancement in thought or technology in Europe, the organization of society wasn't exactly agreeable, and Islamic / Asian societies were doing considerably better in all those fields.
I don't see how it could be anything other than a childish fixation on knights in shining armor, the chivalric code, kings and castles, and all that.

The same thing goes with Sparta, as in the thread "Athens or Sparta." What could be so captivating about Sparta other than "Yeah, I saw 300--it was awesome! Mother****in badass warriors fighting a million Persians and kicking their asses! The Spartans don't **** around!"

Did Sparta contribute to the development of Western thought and culture, or in fact humanity's thought and culture, nearly as much as Athens? Of course not. And that is an infinitely better criteria than which would make a better Hollywood movie.

I know that from the outset this is a kind of close-minded thread, and pretty much just me pretending that my interests are superior (current developing times, and how they got that way--obviously, Medieval times were very important but in my opinion completely overshadowed by other periods, and don't forget that history isn't European first, everything else secondary)

**Belisarius** · May 15th, 2009, 01:10 AM

Hmm..one for Comet, methinks.

Nikd · May 15th, 2009, 02:31 AM

Think most that in this period many things happened Fall of the Western Roman Empire, "Black Death", 100 year war, etc and so few sources exist.

bodmin · May 15th, 2009, 05:48 AM

Development of England as a single Kingdom,

The beginnings of Parliament in England,

Magna Carta.

Crusades

Vikings.

Anglo Saxons.

Power of Rome as a centre of Christianity.

Wars of the Roses.

Developments in warfare (Longbow).

etc, etc, etc

PraiseGod_Barebones · May 15th, 2009, 07:17 AM

I like the Medievil period (mainly later Medievil) because its a time of seemingly endless characters people like from Longshanks to Richard III, England had a succession of fascinating and complex people who's stories are so full of amazing feats, treachary, murder and uncertainty.

Aside from the characters of the times their are such great talking points like the rise of lollardy and other heresies, bastard fuedalism and dynastic struggle. Modern History is fine but the study of Medievil history has a certain romance to it mainly because it is so far detached from the world we live in today.

Gerard. · May 15th, 2009, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ismology

Medieval times were very important but in my opinion completely overshadowed by other periods, and don't forget that history isn't European first, everything else secondary)

For those who live in Europe, or whose ancestors came from Europe, there is nothing wrong to be more interrested by european History than any others. Monuments are here under our eyes, ancient european languages are easier to understand, etc. and above all it is our heritage. In many places of Asia or Africa they barely know anything about their own history (eg. Egyptians are just starting to learn the history of their country before islam).

**Lucius** · May 15th, 2009, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ismology

I know that from the outset this is a kind of close-minded thread, and pretty much just me pretending that my interests are superior (current developing times, and how they got that way--obviously, Medieval times were very important but in my opinion completely overshadowed by other periods, and don't forget that history isn't European first, everything else secondary)

Really? Let's don't forget liberalism, democracy, capitalism, socialism, imperialism. Golly, what's a civilization got to do?

(and don't forget all those cool swords and horsies and stuff)

Yes, Medieval times were very important for how current developing times got that way - obviously. Secondary stuff - not so much.

Ismology · May 15th, 2009, 10:57 AM

"Medievil history has a certain romance to it mainly because it is so far detached from the world we live in today."
That's what I was saying. You might as well be studying fantasy if that's why you're interested in history.

"liberalism, democracy, capitalism, socialism, imperialism"
Those weren't developed during Medieval times... (capitalism arguably grew out of the economic system towards the end of the Middle Ages in Italy/Netherlands) and imperialism has almost always existed.

Anyway, I don't really care if anyone is interested in the Middle Ages....

PraiseGod_Barebones · May 15th, 2009, 11:13 AM

Firstly if you dont care why ask?

And secondly its not like studying fantasy, the fact that its so foreign from the world we know just means that its interesting how it has changed. To say we may as well study fantasy it like saying that those who study modern history may as well just read Jade Goody's book, ridiculous.

**Lucius** · May 15th, 2009, 11:22 AM

I love Chinese food.