The Interface between Christianity and Traditional Cultures, and Social and Cultural History during the Early Middle Ages
Summary
This chapter delves into the interface between Christianity and traditional cultures, and social and cultural history during the early Middle Ages. It covers a diverse range of topics related to late antiquity and the early medieval period, including weather magic, literacy, cults and cult sites, ascetics and wonder-workers, medicine, parishes and churches, prisoner miracles, ransoming, and the clergy’s role in wars.
Table of Contents
- P. Brown’s The Rise of Western Christendom
- J. M. H. Smith’s Europe After Rome
- B. Rosenwein’s Emotional Communities in the Early Middle Ages
- J. Herrin’s The Formation of Christendom
- R. McKitterick’s The Early Middle Ages
- P. Depreux’s Les Sociétés occidentales du milieu du VIeà la fin du IXesiècle
- R. Le Jan’s La Société du haut Moyen Âge
- Valerius and Martin of Braga
- The Age of Charles Martel
- Monasticism
- Church property and politics
- Burial customs
- Aristocratic status markers
- Women’s roles in society
- Female monastic founders
- Warfare
- Gift exchange
Q&A
Q: What are some of the key works that this chapter covers?
A: Some of the key works that this chapter covers include P. Brown’s The Rise of Western Christendom, J. M. H. Smith’s Europe After Rome, B. Rosenwein’s Emotional Communities in the Early Middle Ages, J. Herrin’s The Formation of Christendom, R. McKitterick’s The Early Middle Ages, P. Depreux’s Les Sociétés occidentales du milieu du VIeà la fin du IXesiècle, and R. Le Jan’s La Société du haut Moyen Âge.
Q: What are some of the topics covered in this chapter?
A: Some of the topics covered in this chapter are weather magic, literacy, cults and cult sites, ascetics and wonder-workers, medicine, parishes and churches, prisoner miracles, ransoming, and the clergy’s role in wars. It also covers various aspects of social and cultural history during the early Middle Ages such as the Age of Charles Martel, monasticism, church property and politics, burial customs, aristocratic status markers, women’s roles in society, female monastic founders, warfare, and gift exchange.
Q: What sources are mentioned in this chapter?
A: This chapter cites a variety of sources related to the early medieval period, including texts by Gregory of Tours, Bede, Boniface, and Venantius Fortunatus, among others. Some of the scholarly works cited are the Rise of Magic by R. Flint, the Uses of Literacy in Early Medieval Europe edited by R. McKitterick, and the Cult of the Saints by P. Brown.
Q: What regions are covered in this chapter?
A: This chapter covers a range of regions including Gaul, Italy, and England.
Q: Who are Valerius and Martin of Braga?
A: Valerius was a bishop in southern Gaul in the late fifth century who is known for writing letters to his contemporaries that dealt with theological disputes and the role of clerics in society. Martin of Braga was a sixth-century bishop from northern Portugal who is known for his writings on Christian morality and for promoting monasticism among his followers.
Q: What topics are covered in relation to women in this chapter?
A: This chapter covers the roles of women in society, particularly in relation to aristocratic status markers, and also discusses female monastic founders.
Conclusion
This chapter provides a thorough overview of the interface between Christianity and traditional cultures, and social and cultural history during the early Middle Ages. It cites a wide range of sources and scholarly works, allowing readers to delve deeper into specific topics of interest. Topics covered range from weather magic to women’s roles in society, providing a comprehensive understanding of the period.
