Introduction to the Study of the Middle Ages (GE1V16004)
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Answers and practice exam questions Introduction to the History of the Middle Ages (GE1V16004)
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Introduction to the Study of the Middle Ages (GE1V16004)
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Universiteit Utrecht (UU)
Extensive elaborative answers and practice exam questions (with answers by professors) from the seven-week course 'Introduction to the History of the Middle Ages' (GEV16004) at Utrecht University.
Introduction to the Study of the Middle Ages (GE1V16004)
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Week 1: From Roman to post-Roman
Questions Rosenwein
- Why does Rosenwein call Chapter 1 The Roman World Transformed?
Rosenwein calls the chapter “The Roman World Transformed” as it describes
the transition between the classical Roman world and the medieval world. It is a
period characterized by major changes in politics, social and cultural areas and
is therefore different from the negative connotation that people often think of the
Middle Ages. Rosenwein thus distances himself from the concept of 'Decline
and Fall' and describes it rather as a transformation process.
- What three important developments does she identify for this period?
Rosenwein talks about three developments within this period, these are:
o The fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of Germanic
kingdoms; moving from a centralized state to a decentralized one;
The Empire became too big for one government to contain,
causing local and regional powers to seek more autonomy for
themselves
o The rise of Christianity as the dominant religion in the late fourth century,
with continued influence on culture and society;
o The continuing influence and transformation of Roman institutions and
cultural practices (including in art and politics)
Including the rise of the struggle between the new elite and the
'old' landowners;
The decline of the old aristocracy gave rise to a new social order
with greater social mobility;
The development of new forms of power and authority
- Rosenwein speaks of 'sibling cultures'. What does she mean by that? In which
areas can we speak of a shared heritage? In which areas not?
By 'sibling cultures' Rosenwein means cultures that arose from the same source
and therefore share a common heritage. They differ from each other, but do
share important characteristics and spheres of influence. In the Roman world
this mainly concerns areas such as law, architecture and language. Areas of
difference include religion and political organization, which changed after the
fall of the Roman Empire.
- Take a closer look at the images in the first chapters: how does Rosenwein use
the illustrations to tell and reinforce her story?
Rosenwein uses illustrations in her book as visual support for her story. She
does this, among other things, by explaining various art during the continuous
Roman/Greek sphere of influence and also the various art that came after this
period. In addition, Rosenwein often includes maps and plans in her
descriptions, which provide a better picture of the story she is trying to tell: this
makes it concrete and understandable.
,Questions about the source material
To supplement the information provided by Rosenwein, we read three short biographies
of popes from the so-called Liber Pontificalis, a collection of papal lives. Although it
remains unclear to what extent these are texts written during or shortly after the life of
the pope in question, the text does provide an insight into the situation(s) in which the
bishops of Rome occasionally found themselves - and how they dealt with it. to go.
From this we read three lives: two of famous popes (Leo and Gregory, both 'the Great'),
and one of a lesser-known bishop of Rome.
- To what extent do these texts reveal their position as 'man in the middle', as
Rosenwein describes it?
The descriptions about the Popes (Leo I and Gregory I) talk about their role as
mediators in various religious and political issues. The meeting between Leo I
and Attila the Hun shows the mediating position: here he successfully
negotiated with the king of the Huns to protect Rome and Italy from attack. He
then plays a role in theological disputes, working with Emperor Marcian to
condemn heresies at the Council of Chalcedon. Gregory I played an important
role in the distribution of food during the famine and the mediation between the
Roman population and the Lombards. Both popes therefore fit the description of
Rosenwein as 'man in the middle', because they take on and take care of their
role as mediator well.
- How do these texts portray the relationship between the Roman Empire and
Christianity? Do you see a development in this from the 5th to the 7th century?
The relationship between the Roman Empire and Christianity ensures a gradual
transition. In the fifth century, Leo I worked with Emperor Marcian to protect
orthodoxy and combat heresy. However, at the end of the sixth century (the time
of Gregory I), there was a shift here: the pope took on a more independent and
leading role here, while the Byzantine emperor had less influence. The Pope
himself took charge of urban and religious protection.
, Week 2: The Carolingians
Questions Rosenwein
- Why does Rosenwein start a new chapter around the 750s? Is this the beginning
of a new period?
Rosenwein opens a new chapter around the 750s, as these years mark an
important turning point in (medieval) history: it offers the emergence of new
political structures and cultural identities. In addition, there was a revival of the
population, new methods of tillage (including the three-row system) and a period
of general prosperity.
- Compare the maps in this chapter with the maps in chapter 2. What differences
do you see? What important changes do these maps illustrate?
By looking at the various maps in chapters two and three, various differences
can be noticed. These include changes in political boundaries within areas,
shifts in population density and changes in the various trade routes within the
empires. They also show the collapse of the Roman Empire and the rise of
Byzantine, Islamic and European cultures. These maps help to clearly reflect
these shifts and differences and thus contribute to 'mapping' the formation of
new identities.
- Rosenwein titles this chapter Creating New Identities. Which new identities are
involved? How are they “created”?
In 'Creating New Identities', Rosenwein talks about the new cultural and political
identities that are formed during this period. These may include the new political
units, such as the various kingdoms and other empires that emerged after 750.
The different cultural and religious identities are also discussed, for example the
rise of Christianity and Islam. The identities discussed are those of Byzantium
(military reforms after a period of internal stability), in the Islamic world (the
transition to the Abbasids) and in Western Europe the rise of the Carolingians.
These identities were created through a combination of political, social and
cultural processes (including conquest, conversion and cultural formation).
- Explain how rulers of this era managed to rule such large empires.
Various rulers within this time period used different strategies. These include the
delegation of power to local rulers or officials, the use of religion as a means of
gaining legitimacy and encouraging social cohesion, and the establishment of
well-functioning administrative systems. However, the success of these
strategies depends on the skills of these rulers.
Questions Le Jan
- What are Dhuoda's 'different identities'?
Dhuoda's various identities can be recognized in her work, as explained in
Régine Le Jan's book. First is Dhuoda's role as a Christian mother (1), in which
she presents herself as the moral and religious guidance her son needs. This fits
with the ideal image of motherhood in the early Middle Ages: the love and
concern of mother for child. In addition, Dhuoda's role as Bernard's wife is
discussed (2), in which she is (and remains, despite the emotional distance in
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