1. HIST 1113 History of the Early Medieval World Dr Niall Christie Office Hours: Monday, 11:30-2:20; Tuesday and Thursday, 10:30-11:20, and by appointment Copy of outline on the web at:

2. History: Why do we care? History, n. An account mostly false, of events unimportant, which are brought about by rulers mostly knaves, and soldiers mostly fools. Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914), The Devil’s Dictionary

3.  To avoid the mistakes of the past  To help us understand other cultures  To help us understand ourselves Why study history?

4. Some Mediaeval Achievements  Transformation of Roman Empire into precursors of modern nation-states  Birth of precursors to modern governmental systems  Establishment of Christianity and Islam  Major advances in science and technology  Major works of literature in Latin and other languages

5. Map Links: Reference Map of the European Provinces of the Roman Empire: <http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/shepherd_1911/http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/shepherd_1911/ shepherd-c-038-039.jpgshepherd-c-038-039.jpg> Europe in the 15th Century: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/europe_15th_colbeck.jpg Europe in 2004: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/europe/europe_pol_2004.jpg

6. “Middle Ages”“Dark Ages” medium aevum (1688)“mediaeval/ medieval” Not used at time Geographically limited Issue of determining start and end: 476 (end of Roman Empire in west) to 1492 (Columbus)?

7. Primary Sources: written by people living at time or soon after Secondary Sources: Works of interpretation or analysis written long after the fact Important to read critically, with eyes open for agendas, biases, etc. Applies to both primary and secondary sources, as well as newspapers, TV, web sites, etc

8. Reading (Primary) Sources Context  Who wrote this?  Where and when? Was the author an eyewitness?  Why was it written?  To whom is it addressed? Who are they?

9. Reading (Primary) Sources Classify Source  What sort of work is it?  What is its purpose (stated or not)?  Is it following a traditional structure or mould?

10. Reading (Primary) Sources Understand Source  What are the key words? Meaning?  What is the author’s point?  What evidence is provided?  What assumptions are made?  What values are expressed?  What problems are addressed? Context?  What reaction is expected/hoped for?

11. Reading (Primary) Sources Evaluate Source  How typical is the source?  How widely did it circulate?  Does it share views/values/ideas/arguments with others from period?  Can you find other evidence to corroborate your conclusions?

12. Einhard: Description of Charlemagne Servant of Charlemagne Born c. 770. Noble from Main valley Educated at monastery of Fulda Sent to court soon after 791. Became advisor and friend to Charlemagne until latter died in 814 Advisor to Louis the Pious (r. 814-840)

13. Einhard: Description of Charlemagne In 815 received grant of lands in Seligenstadt After death of wife, became abbot of various monasteries Wrote Vita Caroli Magni c. 829-36. One of few sources for life of Charlemagne. Another is biography by Monk of St Gall (c. 840-912) Died in 840