Medieval History Commons^™

The Historical Persistence Of Working-Class Culture: How Laborers Created The Ethical Foundation Of Western Civilization, Kenneth Atkinson

Faculty Publications

This article highlights four historical events that shape our present: the world’s first industrial strike in ancient Egypt to protest workers’ health and safety; working-class efforts to improve labor conditions during the Roman Republic and Middle Ages through strikes and the creation of guilds; the social justice activism of the prophets of Western religions (all working-class folks!); and the creation of the selfie and the transition from a culture of character to our present obsession with celebrities and individualism that began during the Renaissance. Each case highlights unique features of working-class culture, working class reactions to societal changes, and the …

Penitential Systems In The Latin West And Byzantine East, Elijah C. Dodson

Honors Theses

This thesis examines the development and organization of penitential discipline in early medieval Christianity through a comparison of the penitential tradition associated with Theodore of Canterbury in the Latin West and the canons attributed to John the Faster in the Byzantine East. The study focuses on how these texts regulated sexual sin and what their structures reveal about the institutional role of the Church in different historical contexts. The analysis is based on a comparative reading of penitential texts, supported by patristic writings and modern scholarship. By examining how specific categories of sexual misconduct are classified and disciplined, this study …

Rex Gothorum, Patres Conscripti, Et Senes Barbarorum: Balancing Monarchical And Aristocratic Power In The Ostrogothic Kingdom, Max Deloach

Honors Theses

The fourth and fifth-century migrations of “barbarian” peoples from beyond the Roman frontier to the heart of the Empire exacerbated an already unparalleled crisis of self in Roman society. With the settlement of these “barbarians” in the West, the facade of Roman dominion over its own territory and institutions had crumbled. In Italy, the Roman Senate, along with the Catholic Church and the Eastern Roman Emperor, became essential to the peninsula’s “barbarian” kings. At the same time, post-Roman monarchs were obliged to patronize their own nobility—the elite military class. This work evaluates the trilateral negotiation of power between post-Roman monarchs, …

Problems And Possibilities Of Namelessness In Late Antiquity And The Early Middle Ages, Jamie Wood, Hope Williard, Máirín Maccarron, Julia Hillner, James R. Burns

Medieval People

No abstract provided.

A Detestable Nation Of Orcs: Echoes Of Eurasian Nomads In Early Fantasy And The Literary Ecosystem Behind Them, Axel Hansen

Journal of Tolkien Research

It is well known that Orcs and Easterlings in J.R.R. Tolkien's works share features with Eurasian nomadic peoples such as Huns and Mongols. The same is true for Tolkien's literary predecessor William Morris' Dusky Men in The Roots of the Mountains. This article will provide an examination of these features from a historical viewpoint, on how interactions with and subsequent records about various steppe nomads in European history can be tied to villains in early modern Fantasy literature. It will then present a short review of how a network of historic accounts, academic theories and pop cultural works – …

The Perry-Campbell Collection: An Analysis Of Byzantine And Roman Coins, Samuel A. Skokan

Department of Anthropology: Theses and Student Research

The Anthropology Collections of the Nebraska State Museum are home of the Gladys G. Perry Campbell and Iain Colin Gordon Campbell (I. C. G. Campbell) coin collection, which consists of an estimated 4,000 coins that date between the 1^st century BC to the 15th century AD. The collection consists of bronze coins (91%+) and billon (alloy) coins that represent low-denomination currency of the Roman and Byzantine Empires. There are approximately 3,200 Byzantine and 750 Roman coins. This study focused solely on the Byzantine coins of the Collection, to document their chronological range and research value. The collection can support …

The Ascent Of The Balthi: The Emergence Of Visigothic Kingship In Late Antiquity, William Deloach

Tenor of Our Times

The first four centuries of the First Millennium AD witnessed the rapid development of political infrastructure among the Gothic people. Emerging from Scandinavia, Gothic group consolidated into more nuanced political confederations by the third century. Challenges to these power structures, both internal and external, became the catalyst for further consolidation. The adaptations of the third and fourth centuries resulted in the emergence of a more easily recognizable political unit: the Visigoths under a Balthi monarchy. These challenges, and forthcoming adaptations, places the Goths within the tradition of the Late Antique world. Late Antiquity, therefore, should not only be thought to …

Elite Women In The Mediterranean 31 Bc – 1380 Ad: An Investigation Into Female Agency, Identity, And Patriarchy Across Classical And Christian Paradigms, Julia Maurer

Capstone Showcase

This paper explores the responses of elite women to patriarchal regimes across the Classical Pagan and Medieval Christian paradigms in the Mediterranean from 31 BC to 1380 AD. While the current historiography acknowledges the radical differences between the two worldviews fundamental to the core values of Western Civilization, an investigation of three women that can be taken to be emblematic examples of the periods in which they lived reveals a striking continuity in the nuanced social roles available to women. This continuity contradicts expectations of significant changes reflective of this revolutionary paradigm shift.

I utilize Julia Augusti, Vibia Perpetua, and …

Divine Or Demonic? A Social Approach To Epilepsy From Greco-Roman Antiquity To The Early Middle Ages, James Nicholas Sumrall

Honors Theses

This thesis seeks to evaluate how epilepsy was defined, perceived and understood in ancient Greece and Rome, as well as how these ideas were adapted and changed during the early centuries of Christianity. To this end, the thesis is divided into six parts. The Introduction briefly explains epilepsy and discusses how the social approach method can be applied to the disease. Chapter I introduces the Hippocratic understanding of epilepsy and outlines the Greco-Roman religious concepts of pollution and purification, which frequently informed ancient perceptions of epilepsy. The first chapter also analyzes the general relationship between disability, disease and divine selection …

The Pursuit Of Salvation. Community, Space, And Discipline In Early Medieval Monasticism, Albrecht Diem

History - All Scholarship

This book is published with open access: https://www.brepolsonline.net/action/showBook?doi=10.1484/M.DM-EB.5.120300 A history of the monastic pursuit of eternal salvation in the early medieval West, revolving around a seventh-century monastic rule for nuns, the Regula cuiusdam ad uirgines ("Someone’s Rule for Virgins") The seventh-century Regula cuiusdam ad uirgines (Someone’s Rule for Virgins), which was most likely written by Jonas of Bobbio, the hagiographer of the Irish monk Columbanus, forms an ideal point of departure for writing a new history of the emergence of Western monasticism understood as a history of the individual and collective attempt to pursue eternal salvation. The book provides a …

The Aesthetics Of Storytelling And Literary Criticism As Mythological Ritual: The Myth Of The Human Tragic Hero, Intertextual Comparisons Between The Heroes And Monsters Of Beowulf And The Anglo-Saxon Exodus, Daniel Stoll

Undergraduate Honors Theses

For thousands of years, people have been hearing, reading, and interpreting stories and myths in light of their own experience. To read a work by a different author living in a different era and setting, people tend to imagine works of literature to be something they are not. To avoid this fateful tendency, I hope to elucidate what it means to read a work of literature and interpret it: love it to the point of wanting to foremost discuss its excellence of being a piece of art. Rather than this being a defense, I would rather call it a musing, …

Between The Judean Desert And Gaza: Asceticism And The Monastic Communities Of Palestine In The Sixth Century, Austin Mccray

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The dissertation focuses on the religious culture of Christian monasticism in sixth-century Palestine. Rather than see the monastic communities of the Judean Desert, just to the east of Jerusalem, and those around Gaza as two independent monastic regions, as much scholarship has done, the dissertation focuses on the common threads that can be seen in the monastic teachings and idealized ascetic practices in the literature of the area. This dissertation reveals ways to redefine the boundaries between the monastic communities of Palestine during the sixth century as well as emphasizes the continuities between the monks of the Judean Desert and …

Research And Study Of Fashion And Costume History Spanning From Ancient Egypt To Modern Day, Kaitlyn E. Dennis Miss

Posters-at-the-Capitol

Through a generous donation to Morehead State University, research has been conducted on thousands of slides containing images of artwork and artifacts of historical significance. These images span from Egyptian hieroglyphs to the inaugural dress of every first lady of the United States. The slides are in the process of being recorded and catalogued for future use by students in hopes of furthering academic comprehension and awareness of the influence of fashion and costume history through the ages. Special thanks to the family of Gretel Geist Rutledge, faculty mentor Denise Watkins, as well as the Department of Music, Theatre, and …

The Struggle Between The Center And The Periphery: Justinian's Provincial Reforms Of The A.D. 530s, Mark-Anthony Karantabias

Theses and Dissertations--History

This dissertation analyzes the struggle between the imperial court and the periphery in the context of Justinian’s reforms in the early A.D. 530s. The reforms targeting select Roman provinces sought to reduce the size of the imperial bureaucracy while simultaneously attempting to maintain imperial vertical authority. The reforms epitomize the imperial court’s struggle to rein in the imperial bureaucracy in the provinces of the Roman Empire. The analysis is framed within the cultural, social, political and economic evolution occurring in Late Antiquity. It shall be proposed that the reforms are one example of the imperial court’s attempt to limit the …

Arthur: Where Did He Go?, Siddarth Palaniappan

A with Honors Projects

This essay discusses the historical and mythological origins of King Arthur. Concludes that, while there is enough evidence to identify individuals in history that correlate with the legend of Arthur, a preference toward romanticized Aurthurian tales was created through repeated use in both Christian institutions and British politics to promote financial and political agendas.

A Spectacle Of Great Beauty: The Changing Faces Of Hagia Sophia, Victoria M. Villano

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Dismemberment And Devotion: Anatomical Votive Dedication In Italian Popular Religion, Lindsay R. Morehouse

Classical Mediterranean and Middle East Honors Projects

Anatomical votives are religious offerings that are made to look like body parts and are dedicated in exchange for healing. In many cases, they are dedicated to intermediary figures as a way to bridge the worlds of human and divine. There is evidence that Anatomical votives have been offered in Italy from the middle of the first millennia BCE to the present. This paper examines Etruscan, Greco-Roman, and Christian cults in order to explore continuity and change in this practice over time within Italy.

Richard Newhauser (Ed.), The Seven Deadly Sins: From Communities To Individuals (Book Review), Denise A. Kaiser

History Faculty Publications

Book review by Denise Kaiser:

ISBN 9789004157859

Dwelling, Walking, Serving: Organic Preservation Along The Camino De Santiago Pilgrimage Landscape, Mercedes Chamberlain Quesada-Embid

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study is an exploration of the people and the landscape of the well-known Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Although there are many routes that make up the entirety of the pilgrimage, this research is specifically focused on the landscape of the Camino Francés, or French Route, in northern Spain. The path has been written about in many ways and for a myriad of reasons since it became affiliated with the Christian tradition in the early ninth century. This research, however, is different. By way of an environmental history and hermeneutic approach, an investigation of the interrelated and overlapping human …

Limits Highlights From Over 2000 Years Of Developments In Calculus Limits, Lauri A. Nevalainen

Honors Capstones

Capstone submitted as a graduation requirement for the BSU Honors Program.

The New England Primer Improved, Unknown

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Full title: The New England primer improved, for the more easy attaining the true reading of English. To which is added the Assembly of Divines, and Mr. Cotton's catechism. Boston, Printed by E. Draper and sold by J. Boyle, 1777

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The Wonder Of Wonders, Or, The Remarkable Discovery Of An American Hermit; : Who Lived Upwards Of 200 Years, James Buckland, John Fielding

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Chapbook description:

The hermit was purportedly discovered by Capt. James Buckland and Mr. John Fielding, who in 1785 "agreed to travel into the western parts of this vast country, to explore the regions which belong to the United States which are yet unknown to us."

Printed in Kennebunk prior to Maine's statehood.

For more information, please refer to the library catalog.

Prieres Ordinaires Des Soldatz De L'Armee Conduite Par Monsieur Le Prince De Condé, Accommodees Selon L'Occurrence Du Temps, Louis Prince De Condé (1530-1569)

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Morning and evening prayers for the use of soldiers, according to Calvinist rites.

Full title: Prieres ordinaires des soldatz de l'armee conduite par Monsieur le Prince de Condé, accommodees selon l'occurrence du temps = Zwey schone Gebet welche die Soldaten die unter dem herrn Printzen von Conde ligen beide Abends vnd Morgens wenn sie auf vnd von der Wacht zihen sprechen

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Bulla Reductionis Generalis Concilii Ad Civitatem Tridentinam Cum Monitione & Requisitione Prælatorum, Pope Julius Iii

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Pope Julius III's bull announcing the re-opening of the Council of Trent in 1551 following the death of Paul III in 1549.

Full title: Bulla reductionis generalis concilii ad civitatem Tridentinam cum monitione & requisitione Prælatorum, ad illius prosecutionem p. S. D. N. D. Iulium III. pont. max

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Historia Vnd Beschreibung Des Magdenburgischen Kriegs, Sebastian Besselmeier

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

A news pamphlet detailing the various events during the siege of the Protestant city of Magdeburg by imperial forces in 1551.

Full title: Historia vnd beschreibung des Magdenburgischen kriegs, von anfang biss zum end, was sich die zeit der belegerung, innen vnd ausserhalb der Stadt zugetragen vnd verloffen hat, auch von der Schlacht vnnd furnembsten scharmutzlen thaten vnd angriffen zu beyden theilen geschehen im Iar der mindern zal, 50. vnd 51., auffs kurtzest verfasst

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Commentariorum De Bello Germanico, Luis De Avila Y Çuñiga (1500-1564)

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

A description of Charles V's war war against the Protestant league in 1546-1547, when the League was defeated at the battle of Muhlberg.

Full title: Commentariorum de bello Germanico, à Carolo V. Caesare Maximo gesto, libri duo / à Gulielmo Malinaeo Brugensi latinè redditi, & iconibus ad historiam accommodis illustrati

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Abtrucke Der Verwarungs Schrifft, Der Chur Vnd Fürsten, Auch Graffen, Herrn, Stette Vnd Stende Der Augspurgischen Confession, Unknown

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

The Protestant nobles state their grievances against Charles V, pointing out that in arming against them he is in violation of the oath he gave when elected Holy Roman Emperor.

Full title: Abtrucke der verwarungs schrifft, der Chur vnd Fürsten, auch Graffen, Herrn, Stette vnd Stende der Augspurgischen Confession Eynungs verwandten, Jhrer yetzigen hochgenottrangten, vnd verursachten Kriegssrüftung halben, an Keyserliche Mayestat aussgangen, vnd beschehen

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Bestendige Vnd Warhafftige Verantwortung, John Frederich, Elector Of Saxony (1503-1554)

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Defense by Elector John Frederick of Saxony and Landgrave Philip of Hesse against the charges of Emperor Charles V that they are rebellious vassals. The princes counter that the real reason for the the Pope's and Emperor's making war against them is their Evangelical faith.

Full title: Der Durchleuchtigst vnd Durchleüchtigen Hochgebornen Fürsten vnd Herren, Herrn Johans Friderichen, Hertzogen zu Sachssen ... Und herrn Philipsen, Landgrauen zü Hessen ... Bestendige vnd warhafftige verantwortung, auch im Rechten gegründete widderlegung : Warumb die vormeinte vrsachen ... zuvorleumen vnterstanden, Inn facto vnd inn der that nicht war ... Das auch derselbe genante Kayser …

Warhaffte Vnd Gegründte Meldung Vnd Anzeigen Der Geschwinden, Tückischen, Bösen Anschleg Vnd Practick, Johann Schradin

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Political satire against Charles V in the form of a dream by a Protestant preacher. In the dream, the Emperor has become a vassal of Rome and that Germans are released from their obedience to him.

Full title: Warhaffte vnd gegründte Meldung vnd Anzeigen der geschwinden, tückischen, bösen Anschleg vnd Practick : so wider die löblichenprotestierenden Stende, vnd Euangeliums einig Verwanten, durch die grossenFeind Gottes, den Bapst, vnd seinem Anhang, fürgenummen, vnd zu jemerlichenvnwiderbringlichem Vndergehen, vnd verderben des deudschen Lands, erdachtseind. Item Vrsach der genötigten, vnd gedrungnen Defension vnd Gegenwehr. Auch wie sich darinne zu halten sey. Gottes Wort bleiht …

Recusationsschrifft, Unknown

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

In this tract, the leaders of the Schmalkald League formally announce their intention not to participate in the Council of Trent, and give reasons why they are unable to do so. These include their objection to the Pope's having called it, since the Pope, as Bishop of Rome, has no legitimate power over other bishops, and their not recognizing the Council of Trent as a free and ecumenical council.

Full title: Recusatio[n]schrifft, in welcher alle protestierende Religions vnd Eynungs verwandte Stende, Rechtmessige vnd ergründete Ursach anzeigen warumb jre Chur vnd F.G. vnd sie, das vermeint, von Bapst Paulo dem Dritten, …