Medieval Era Research Articles

Women’s Perception in Late Medieval European Preaching: A Comparative Analysis

The perception of women in the late medieval European preaching is rather complex and interesting. The theological viewpoint against medieval women is constrained towards their moral and social deliverance and virtues. However, late medieval sermons of preachers have helped to understand and amplify the conception of medieval society towards the social standing of European medieval women. In retrospect, this article examines women’s representation in the sermons of three prominent preachers from the 14th and 15th centuries: Giordano da Pisa, Bernardino of Siena, and St. Vincent Ferrer. The research individually analyzes the preachers' sermons through a comparative analysis, addressing women's weaknesses in the European medieval era. The sermons focus on the societal perceptions of women and their moral constitutions, aiming to promote spiritual conversion. Although the preachers share common perceptions, they have also managed to adopt the use of vernacular language, thus condemning sins, for instance, lust and adultery. Moreover, the preaching style and context they present medieval women vary significantly. Giordano da Pisa addresses an educated audience with an academic approach, whereas Bernardino da Siena preaches the broader and intellectual society in an accessible and didactic style. St. Vincent Ferrer employs a vehement tone, centered on instilling fear of the Final Judgment. The analysis reveals the importance of the image of women in medieval preaching. Moreover, the sermons of the preachers also aim to reinforce and redefine the social and religious norms related to women of the medieval era, therefore emphasizing on their role in maintaining moral stability and developing the institution of moral enrichment and social nourishment of their offspring.

Higher Education: From the Medieval Era to the Challenges of Institutionalization in Brazil

This article provides a panoramic analysis of the historical process of the emergence of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and their role as mediators of medieval knowledge, which later also exerted significant influence as they reshaped themselves for the consolidation of national states and modern Western scientific culture. In Brazil, unlike the European context where universities have materialized in space for many centuries, we only find these higher education institutions beginning in the early 20th century. We must consider the time and space in which they are inserted from the moment of their emergence to the present period. We will highlight the spatial dimension of the process from the origins and evolution of these institutions. Studies indicate that in Brazil, only from the turn of the 21st century has there been a better distribution of HEIs across the territory, but their provision is still concentrated in two perspectives: the majority of enrollments are in private higher education, and spatially they are in larger cities.

Cartographies of warfare in the Indian subcontinent: Contextualizing archaeological and historical analysis through big data approaches

Some of the most notable human behavioral palimpsests result from warfare and its durable traces in the form of defensive architecture and strategic infrastructure. For premodern periods, this architecture is often understudied at the large scale, resulting in a lack of appreciation for the enormity of the costs and impacts of military spending over the course of human history. In this article, we compare the information gleaned from the study of the fortified cities of the Early Historic period of the Indian subcontinent (c. 3rd century BCE to 4th century CE) with the precolonial medieval era (9-17th centuries CE). Utilizing in-depth archaeological and historical studies along with local sightings and citizen-science blogs to create a comprehensive data set and map series in a “big-data” approach that makes use of heterogeneous data sets and presence-absence criteria, we discuss how the architecture of warfare shifted from an emphasis on urban defense in the Early Historic period to an emphasis on territorial offense and defense in the medieval period. Many medieval fortifications are known from only local reports and have minimal identifying information but can still be studied in the aggregate using a least-shared denominator approach to quantification and mapping.

Teaching astronomy in Romania and the Republic of Moldova: its impact on students’ education

This article analyzes the evolution of astronomy teaching in the Romanian area, from its ancient roots to the modern era, the authors focusing on the situation in the last decades in Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Astronomy, one of the oldest sciences, has a great significance in human culture and education. In Romania, the teaching of astronomy began formally in 1776, but it has fluctuated over time. In the medieval era, astronomy was linked to religious education, while in modern times, it has been integrated into various school subjects. During the communist period, the teaching of astronomy was restricted, being limited to the upper grades or being eliminated from the curriculum altogether. Recently, there have been some initiatives to reintroduce astronomy as a distinct subject of study, reflecting the desire to rekindle students’ interest in this field. This article emphasizes the need for the introduction of an integrated astronomy course in schools and the need for adequate resources, as well as the importance of astronomy in developing students' critical thinking, curiosity and interest in science

Patron Saints of Cities and Their Relics: From Medieval Times to Modernity

Feasts associated with relics have occurred since antiquity. They play a major role in the life of both the Catholic and Orthodox churches. In contemporary practice, relic feasts often include both religious and secular events, which are especially significant in small cities that possess relics of a patron saint. This paper analyses the feasts associated with St Nicholas of Myra, St Euthemia of Chalcedon, and St Alexander Schmorell; two of these traditions go back to the medieval era, the third has more recent origins.

Touching Female Memories in the Purification Funerary Chapel in Burgos (c. 1482–1531)

Abstract Late medieval women were able to promote highly sophisticated funerary ensembles, which included architecture, painting, sculpture, liturgy, textiles, lighting and other ephemeral elements, and to adapt them to their specific ideas and needs. These material and ephemeral elements were manipulated to create complex spaces so as to generate sensory experience. This article will focus on the Purification Chapel in the Cathedral of Burgos (Spain) built by the Countess of Haro, Mencía de Mendoza, at the end of the fifteenth century. We will use art historical analysis to understand the relation between gender and the senses, and the ways in which intersensorial interaction shapes experience and memory. The analysis of the construction and design of spaces by actors like Mencía de Mendoza shows that robust models of perception and cognition were tacitly operating in the medieval era in ways that are not adequately captured by textually-focused approaches.

House and the utility buildings of the Cathedral Chapter in Wrocław in the light of architectural and archaeological studies

Detailed architectural studies of the 14th-century House of the Cathedral Chapter in Wrocław conducted in the course of the current renovation works of the Archdiocese Museum complex shed a new light on the architecture pf the building and the way it functioned in the Middle Ages. Parallel archaeological studies carried out in the basement of the building and in the courtyard revealed utility buildings, furnaces, a latrine shaft, and cobblestones from the medieval era and the subsequent period. The article presents the history of the construction of the buildings that comprise the chapter complex including the adjacent utility buildings divided into 3 medieval phases and 3 modern phases, as well as selected archaeological artefacts.

EMERGING TRENDS IN CHUARCHITRARANGAL - TRADITIONAL MURAL ART OF KERALA

The south Indian state of Kerala is home to charismatic murals painted between 9th and 18thcentury CE and are proudly known as Chuarchitrarangal. These paintings adorn the walls of Shrikovil – the sanctum sanctorum of Hindu temples all over Kerala that narrates stories of God and Goddesses. Kerala murals have largest collection of secco, based on ancient Indian mythological stories.This study aims to identify, analyse and document the emerging trends in Kerala Mural Paintings. Also, it will make an effort to forecast the future trends. Primary data of renowned artists and secondary data of ancient murals will be referred for the study. 7 temples which hold the best condition murals will be included in the research. The medieval era (9th to 12th century CE) saw the height of this art. The entry of European art into academia in the 19th century, hampered the local art and Kerala murals began to face a significant decrease. Because of the realistic finish of European painting and the use of new convenient oil paints, local traditional art styles were no longer recognized and respected. The Kerala mural tradition had already faded into history by the end of the 1900s. Currently Kerala has a decent number of professional muralists who work extensively in conventional and contemporary methods. This art is being revived steadily. New generation artists are experimenting to keep up with the pace and preferences of new world. Getting inspired from various genres, creating novel styles yet keeping the conventional value intact has become a major trend in Kerala mural art.

Progressivism, Modernity and Decadence: A Study of Select Works of Ahmed Ali

The modernity of the progressive writers has long borne the blame for being indebted to the Western trends of modernist thoughts. This article engages in challenging this notion by tracing the roots of Islamic modernity to the qasbati tradition of medieval eastern culture and its residual traces in 18th and 19th century India. The pre-Renaissance Muslim cultures in the Middle East and South Asia during the Caliphate rulers had a high intellectual heritage which propagated to India during the Mughals and concentrated within the qasbahs, thus resulting in the formation of a unique literary and cultural tradition. This dissertation shall argue with substantial historical evidence from Muslim literary history since the medieval era, that the modernity of the Progressive writers was not necessarily a Western import in colonial India rather it is rooted in a vibrant intellectual and cultural tradition propagated through generations in the qasbahs. In the process, it also aims to understand ‘modernity’ as a dynamic and allencompassing state of intellectual understanding. Taking up select works of Ahmed Ali, this article attempts to substantiate the claim that progressive modernity is unique and is characterised by an attitude of assertion (of their own social values), interrogation and selective participation (in the new system), as manifested in the life and culture of the qasbati tradition.

Hearing God’s call one more time: Retrieving calling in theology of work

Calling is a very important concept in Christianity. In the medieval era, calling was restricted to ecclesiastical work alone, a devotion to the life of contemplation. Ordinary work or physical labour was not considered qualified to be a calling. Martin Luther was the one who taught that the ordinary work of the ordinary people was also God’s calling and equally spiritual as the ecclesiastical work. However, Miroslav Volf, a Croatian theologian, criticised Luther that his view of calling was too static and irrelevant to the modern context where people often choose to quit a job because of its negative effects and some people have to do multiple jobs in order to make ends meet. While recognising the validity of Volf’s critique, this article seeks to demonstrate that even in the modern context, calling is still a very important theological concept to reflect upon work. Luther’s vocational view of work could be retrieved in discussing the theology of work by putting it in dialogue with Calvin, Kuyper, and other theologians.Contribution: This article seeks to show that the concept of calling is indispensable in constructing a sound theology of work for the modern context. By understanding work as calling, Christian workers are enabled to see how they are participating in God’s redemptive work through their jobs.

Reflection of sacred symbols in folklore and dance culture of Chechens

The article is devoted to the study of sacred symbols represented in the petroglyphs of Chechnya and widely used in the material culture of the local population of the ancient and late medieval era: in the decoration of metal products, the ornament of carpets and ceramics. The author believes that sacred symbolism is reflected in spiritual culture. The circle, the cross, the spiral and other sacred symbols have been embodied in a variety of forms in oral folk art, dance culture, ritual traditions, the Nart epic, thereby defining the stylistic features of the culture of the North Caucasus. Sacred meanings are imprinted not only in the images of dancing anthropomorphic figures on the walls of residential and combat towers, but also the pattern of their movements and gestures repeats the outlines of ancient symbols, thereby testifying to the ritual nature of the origin of folk dance and many genres of oral folk art. The methodological basis of the research is a set of general historical, ethnographic and archaeological research methods, the use of which is determined by the nature of the material being studied. Thus, the internal space and structure of the phenomena of spiritual culture correspond to the forms of the main sacred symbols that existed in the culture of the peoples of the region in ancient times, thereby creating a special style of North Caucasian culture, which is characterized by inner sacredness. The reflection of mythological plots and symbols in petroglyphs and bronze plastics of the Koban culture of late Bronze and early iron testifies to the deep antiquity of folk dance and many genres of oral folk art of the population of the North Caucasus and speaks about the close intertwining of the phenomena of material and spiritual culture in that period, about the sacredness of being in its representations. Ritualism penetrates into all spheres of life (labor, funeral rite, wedding ceremony), protecting the ancient man from all bad things.

Exploring the Nexus of Islamic Modernism and Intellectual Development

This paper discusses Islamic modernism and the development of Islamic intellectualism. The method used is descriptive-analytical method with a historical approach. Its aim is to understand Islamic modernism and the development of Islamic intellectualism. The author finds that: First, Islamic modernism is a renewal of understanding that is more relevant to modern life, interpreting things to open the door of ijtihad and avoid blind adherence to schools of thought by thinking rationally in understanding and reflecting on Islamic teachings. Second, the development of Islamic intellectualism is divided into three eras. Each has a different pattern. The classical era began at the time of the Prophet Muhammad, where the development of Islamic intellectualism was practiced through teaching and education using methods of writing and memorization. In the medieval era, Islamic intellectualism began to flourish. Institutionalization began to emerge through theological movements, Sufism, and schools of thought. Furthermore, in the modern era, there is a struggle within Islamic intellectual tradition. The modern era seeks to eradicate superstition, myths, and innovations that have constrained the Muslim community.

Fantastic Flails and Where to Find Them: The Body of Evidence for the Existence of Flails in the Early and High Medieval Eras in Western, Central, and Southern Europe

Flails are one of the most contentious and misunderstood classes of medieval weaponry, despite their prevalence in popular media: some researchers question their existence entirely and the bulk of historians are skeptical of widespread temporal and geographical prevalence, while others, and a significant volume of period evidence, would argue the contrary. While the expansive use of flails in Eastern Europe and Byzantium is familiar, many Central, Western, and Southern European sources are less well known or largely forgotten, especially those stemming from the later-early and early high medieval eras (up to 1250). In this work, I collate and discuss the bulk of the available literary references and artistic depictions of flails and their use alongside some of the archaeological finds from Western, Central, and Southern Europe, with an emphasis on the 12th and 13th centuries. The significance of this volume of evidence is examined, and an assessment of flails as a part of medieval culture and warfare is considered. Collectively, this would suggest that knowledge of flails as instruments of war and associated cultural connotations, if not their actual prevalence and use in warfare, was far more widespread across Europe this time period than has been previously estimated.

Writing About Writing: Reading Academia Anew

Since the inauguration of the first European universities in the medieval era, at Bologna in 1088 and Oxford in 1096, and before that, al-Qarawiyyin in 859 in Fez, Morocco, Nalanda University in 5th century India, and Taixue University in China in 156, universities have been places of publishing, writing, and disseminating scholarly ideas. Socrates, who himself wrote nothing, worried in 400 B.C.E. that writing would weaken the mind, promote forgetfulness (Ong, 2002), and allow for the pretention of knowledge rather than the real thing, “the appearance of wisdom, not true wisdom” (Plato, 370 B.C.E./1901,Phaedrus, section 275a).

STUDY ON SCULPTURAL ART OF TEN JAINA IMAGES FROM THE ODISHA STATE MUSEUM OF BHUBANESWAR

The aim of present article is to focus on the sculptural features as well as religious significance of the ten Jaina images of the Odisha State Museum, Bhubaneswar. Iconography of ten Jaina Tirthankara images of the Odisha State Museum is a major aspect of the Odishan sculptural art in India. Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the state of Odisha. The earliest Jaina sculptures in Odisha date back to the period before Mauryan/Asokan. From the 6th century B.C. Jainism remained one of the major religions of Kalinga (ancient Odisha) until the first century B.C., when the Kharavela was ruling in the state. It is believed that Jainism continued to be a major religion in the state even after the war of Kalinga (261 B.C.). Jainism co-existed with other religions in the state of Odisha. In fact, Jaina Tirthankara images were made all over Odisha during the early medieval era. Some Jain images are noticed at different places of Odisha. After Kharavela, the artists of Odisha continued to create Jain images until the 11th century C.E. Out of the extant Jaina Tirthankara images of Odisha, some of the Jaina sculptures are found to be kept in Odisha State Museum, Bhubaneswar. Among these preserved Jaina Tirthankara images, ten Jaina Tirthankara images are discussed in this piece of work. The names and discovered sites of the ten Jaina images of the State Museum, Bhubaneswar are viz; 1. Risabhanath of Keonjhar, 2. Risabhanatha of Khajuriapada, 3. Mahavir image of Charampa, 4. Parsvanatha of Sisupalgarh, 5. Shantinatha of Charampa, 6. Risabhanath of Charampa, 7. Risabhanatha of Podasingidi, 8. Ajitanatha of Charampa, 9. Risabhanath of Bhubaneswar and 10. Parsvanatha of Baidyakhia. Sculptural features of the above Jaina Tirthankara images of the Odisha State Museum suggest that these images were made during the time period from the 8th century to 11th century C.E. The presence of these Jaina Tirthankara images gives an idea that Jainism was prevalent in eastern and northern Odisha during the medieval period. Artistic point of view, these Tirthankara images are very important and interesting for study. Hence, the present author has made a modest attempt to highlight the sculptural art as well as religious connotation of the ten Jaina images of the Odisha State Museum, Bhubaneswar. Methodologically, the author has written this article by using both primary and secondary sources.

From generosity to gratitude: Exploring Islamic views on body donation, human dissection, and honoring the gift of life.

Human dissection is an ancient pedagogical method that is still relevant in modern anatomy curricula. The body procurement process for dissection purposes has undergone significant evolution from the medieval era until now, whereby body donation has become the main source for human bodies in medical education. The appreciation ceremony for body donors is an excellent way to promote a body donation program, whereby both dissection and appreciation ceremonies are effective in inculcating professional behaviors and altruism among medical students. Despite the benefits of dissection and such ceremonies, conflicting ideas about the acceptability of these methods exist among Muslim scholars and students. Hence, this article provides a theological Islamic interpretation of human dissection, body donation, and appreciation ceremonies from four sources of Islamic law-the Qur'an, Hadith, Idjmaa, and Qiyas-to justify Muslims' involvement in the aforementioned. It is important to note that the fundamentals of Islam are submission to the will of the one and only God, Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala (SWT) and recognition of Prophet Muhamad (peace be upon him) as the last messenger of God. Therefore, the actions of a Muslim are strongly based on faith and virtue.

Educational Paradigms in Islamic Medical History: A Review.

The rise of Islam in Arabia witnessed a scientific pursuit from 8th CE to 14th CE in its vast dominion. Medicine was one among many disciplines that was reshaped during the golden ages of Islamic world. Physicians and scholars from diverse faiths and background flocked in learning centers of Baghdad, Cordoba, and other cities. A multicultural environment of medical research was evolved with fundings from state. From medical teaching and clinical training to the licensing of physicians, many of the modern attributes of medical education were pioneered in Islamic world. The scholarly transfusion from European territories of Islamic world to the Western world in medieval era laid the foundation of modern medical education.

From tradition to transformation: The journey of school librarianship in India

This article delves into the rich tapestry of school librarianship in India, spanning from its ancient origins to its contemporary state. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining historical analysis, cultural insights, and educational perspectives to unravel the nuanced development of school libraries and the roles of librarians within them.Beginning with the ancient Indian tradition of Gurukuls, where oral transmission of knowledge was paramount, one can trace the evolution of early libraries and the revered "Guru-Pustakalaya" (teacher's library) as the precursor to formal school libraries. The medieval era witnessed the advent of Persian and Arabic manuscripts, leading to the establishment of Madrasas and Maktab libraries, which contributed to the dissemination of diverse knowledge. The colonial period introduced Western educational ideals and the establishment of missionary schools, thereby reshaping the landscape of school librarianship with the introduction of modern library systems and practices.In the post-independence era, the Indian government took significant steps to promote literacy and education, resulting in the proliferation of school libraries across the nation. The article explores the transformative impact of technology, the digital age, and the changing role of school librarians as facilitators of information literacy and digital resources. This comprehensive historical analysis sheds light on the continuum of school librarianship in India, emphasizing its pivotal role in education and knowledge dissemination throughout the ages. Understanding this evolution is essential for shaping the future of school libraries and librarianship in India, adapting to the changing educational landscape and information needs of the 21st century.

Understanding the Significance of Socio-Cultural Notions before Delivering Community-Based Mental Health Services

The article explores the intricate interplay between mental health and socio-cultural factors across historical epochs and contemporary society. Beginning with primitive beliefs attributing health abnormalities to supernatural forces, the narrative traces the evolution of perspectives, from Hippocrates’ psychological approach to the medieval era’s religious-centric views. The colonial period witnessed mental health framed as abnormal behavior, emphasising somatogenic factors, leading to social isolation. As the twentieth century unfolded, a psychological lens gained prominence, acknowledging genetic predispositions. Examining a case study of a tribal man labelled “mentally ill” and lynched, the article questions the complex socio-economic issues obscured by the “mental illness” label. It argues for a holistic approach to mental health interventions, emphasizing community-centric strategies. The importance of understanding lay perspectives, addressing negative stereotypes, and recognizing vulnerable sections of society is highlighted. The article contends that mental health organizations must blend cultural values and scientific approaches. It proposes support groups, counselling, and awareness initiatives rooted in shared socio-cultural values. Community-based interventions, aligned with local characteristics, are seen as crucial for resilience in the face of disasters. The need for organizations to recruit locally to enhance cultural understanding and avoid disharmony is emphasized. The conclusion warns against underestimating socio-cultural values in interventions, as this may perpetuate negative perspectives. Structural constraints, both social and economic, are identified as key determinants of mental health.

Islamic Scholars’ Influence on Western Scientific Discourse During the Medieval Era

This study explores the substantial influence of Muslim scholars on the intellectual progress of Western society during the Medieval Era. By examining the dynamic relationship between Arab-Islam and European-Christianity, this research emphasizes the significant impact of Muslim scholars in various fields such as philosophy, science, astronomy, art, and literature. Utilizing historical methods, the study uncovers how Islam played a crucial role in shaping the development of scientific discourses in the West since the 11th century. Toledo and Sicily functioned as pathways for the Latinization of Arabic texts, extending initiatives from the Abbasid Caliphate period in the 8th century AD, particularly the translation of Greek texts into Arabic. Emphasizing the collaborative role between Islamic and Western civilizations, this research underscores that amid the historical realities of Islamic-Christian tension and conflict that marked the Middle Ages, interfaith interaction and cooperation could foster scientific progress. In this context, Islamic influence emerges as a key factor in comprehending the reciprocal exchange of ideas and knowledge that simultaneously moulded these two cultures.