Medieval material
During our research, we pay special attention to the material culture of the Middle Ages. This includes not only objects and buildings, but also landscapes and even the manuscripts from which we get our information. By studying the tangible remains of the past, we get a better picture of medieval society. We then make these insights accessible to students, colleagues and the general public.
Manuscripts at the base
The study of manuscripts and archival documents occupies a special place in our section. Whether it is books and scrolls, fragments and scribbles in the margins, or inscriptions on walls and objects: it always is important to dwell on the material component of the texts we read before we read the texts themselves. After all, making a book was a time-consuming process, involving various crafts and skills. How all these skills and knowledge were combined in a manuscript, therefore, speaks volumes about the world in which it was produced.
At Utrecht, Bachelor's students can already learn about the study of manuscripts (palaeography) and ancient books (codicology). We also work with archaeological sources, go into the archives, and actively seek out the past during excursions to historical buildings and museums. In this way, we make it clear that history is more than just text.
Researchers in this theme
- Social History, Urban History, Health, Medieval History
- Early Middle Ages, Medieval Culture, Medieval History, Archaeology, Economic history, Social History, Power
- Cultural History, Manuscripts, Media History, Medieval History, Dutch History, Paleography, Early Middle Ages
- Archaeology, Medieval Culture, Medieval History, Medieval Manuscripts, Medieval Religions, Early Middle Ages