How Does Medieval Historians' Use of the Notion of 'Europe' Compare to Its Use in the Middle Ages?

Klaus Oschema

The research presented in this video shows the need to reflect precisely the analytical notions and frameworks used when looking at medieval societies, and the limitations of reference to history when tackling contemporary questions. Some of the main findings of the comparative analysis of modern and medieval concepts of Europe conducted by KLAUS OSCHEMA are that ‘Europe’ and ‘Christianity’ were not used synonymously in the medieval ages and that modern historical research on Europe is often inspired by contemporary needs and influences.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21036/LTPUB10069

Researcher

Klaus Oschema was appointed Adjunct Professor at the Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg. Between 2009 and 2014, he was a member of the Young Academy Berlin-Brandenburg. Currently, Oschema is on research leave at the Princeton ‘Institute of Advanced Studies’ (USA). Oschema has published and taught extensively on matters of medieval society, particularly on the social structures of the aristocracy and imaginations of ‘Europe’. In his latest monograph, Oschema takes a critical stance on the historical analysis of the concept of ‘Europe’, arguing that the discursive use of ‘Europe’ by medieval societies needs to be reexamined.

Heidelberg University (Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg)

"Heidelberg University, founded in 1386, is Germany’s oldest university and one of the strongest research universities in all of Europe. The successes in both rounds of the Excellence Initiative and in internationally recognised rankings prove that Heidelberg’s excellent reputation and leading role in the scientific community are well deserved. In terms of educating students and promoting promising early-career academics, Heidelberg relies on research-based teaching and an outstanding, well-structured training for doctoral candidates. Heidelberg University is a comprehensive university, offering the full spectrum of disciplines in the humanities, law and the social sciences alongside the natural and life sciences, including medicine. As a comprehensive university, Heidelberg aims to continue to strengthen the individual disciplines and to further interdisciplinary cooperation, as well as to carry research results over into society and industry. With its aspiration of connecting traditional values with future-oriented scientific concepts in research and teaching, the university is building bridges to the future – Zukunft. Seit 1386." ( Source )

Original Publication

Bilder von Europa im Mittelalter

Klaus Oschema

Published in 2013