Research
The Medieval History section researches social, cultural and religious developments from Late Antiquity to the Renaissance. Particular attention is paid to the history of cities, landscapes and materials, and to interpreting changes in people's religious practices.
The combined expertise of the staff gives this section a unique and multidisciplinary perspective on history, combining long-term perspectives with detailed study of texts, archives, manuscripts and objects.
Central research themes
Medieval material How does material culture (including books and manuscripts) reflect and cause changes in society?
Religion: a matter of faith How did people's faith lead to far-reaching changes in society at different key moments in the Middle Ages?
Community and community spirit How did communities form and perpetuate themselves - and how did members of that community express their new identity?
Knowledge and science What is the history of knowledge and science and its diffusion? And how did the generation and teaching of knowledge lead to new ideas about authority?
