The Middle Ages is the most maligned period in human history. Why?
Think about the number of times your have heard "medieval" in a pejorative context. "Oh, you're so medieval in your outlook" or "their behaviour was sooooo medieval". Why is this?
I think its because of societies misconception that has altered this period. Society relates old, outdated and primitive measures/techniques with Medieval times. Like you mentioned or referenced pulp fiction when Marsellus Wallace tells Zedd he's gonna get Medieval on his a** after the grotesque events that occurred during that particular scene. I think it's also the era that is most commonly known, with regards to the past and knights, kings, etc. Other than the renaissance era, but then again that era is usually associated with the rich, historic figures that were notable in the arts, language and sciences. Usually when someone references the renaissance they think of positive, smart, intellectual, beauty expressive art. While Medieval conjures up ideas of dark, rainy, stone architecture, etc. I don't know where this misconception came from but I understand that its society that has misinterpreted this period of time and skewed it in a sense.
The only thing is, we don't do this with any other historical period. No one ever says, "Oh, you're so Egyptian" or "Oh, that idea is sooooo Assyrian."
Why has the medieval period been identified with "backwards"?
@stjones Its interesting when we look at periods and civilizations, particularly in Europe. In most cases, only societies in Europe ever get recognition or acknowledgment. Meanwhile, societies and civilizations like China, Egypt and the Myans (Incas) among other highly advanced civilizations never get the recognition or attention they deserve. I think this also has to do with the imprint British Imperialism left on the world. We always remember the romans and the greeks for their impressive abilities and societies, as well as the Renaissance. You always here people who are fluent in language and capable of artistic abilities or their intellectual capacity referred to as, "Renaissance man/woman". The medieval period even in its name conjures up thoughts and beliefs about primitive behaviour and thoughts, even though this is false. I think because it was in between two highly recognized periods that its time period is looked at as going backwards.
I agree with Jackson that societies misconception altered this period. It is the same instance that video games portray this time period. Video games make the medieval times look dark and dingy, hence the "dark ages". Usually there isn't much vibrant colour in the video games at all.
You may have the beginning of a thesis here! I used to teach a class about color and its symbolism. You are correct: there is less color in society now than in the Middle Ages.
I think a lot of it has to do with the unfortunate habit that when we compare our current world to the past we always place ourselves as better. Our society has been constantly obsessed with the idea of modernity, that we are ever moving forward to a more modern and best us. If we look back at the medieval times with this mindset it is easy to think that we are better then they were.
In other words, it was prior to what we call "The Age of Reason" or the "Enlightenment" so it is unfortunately easy to jump to the assumption that those who lived in the middle ages were unenlightened, and void of reason. Popular culture has not helped this mindset at all. We see movies where there is brave knights and wealthy nobility but those who were in poverty were dirty and diseased.
"In other words, it was prior to what we call "The Age of Reason" or the "Enlightenment" so it is unfortunately easy to jump to the assumption that those who lived in the middle ages were unenlightened...."
You've hit the nail on the head. In fact, the Enlightenment is a name the 18-19th century gave to itself! And it was the very same people who thought themselves above their Medieval counterpart.
This was a good read for anyone who has the time, its a bit longer but some interesting points were brought up with regards to the Roman era, Middle Ages and Renaissance period providing some depth into the criticism that the Medieval period faces.
I think we hear these terms of phrase due to the violence and such that took place in the medieval era. People were getting their heads cut off, disease was everywhere, and it overall was an awful time. Everyone thinks the medieval era was nothing more than bloody crusades and violence, when it was really an era of invention, reform, and discovery. There are so many beautiful pieces of art, literature, and more from this era.
I think a lot of it is due to media depiction, honestly. Sorry for the late response, but I figured I should answer anyway!
There was less violence in Medieval period than there is now. How would you account for that? The 20th and 21st centuries are the bloodiest and most violent in history.
I agree with Eric in that the past was much more evolved than we usually give it credit for. Although far before this time, I always think of the pyramids and how they weren't build with modern technology. Even building's that were build 50 years ago are still more sturdy than the fancy high-rises we build now. Just because something's old doesn't mean it's no longer relevant.
I can't remember if I'm mixing my classes here but I'm pretty sure this was the time where our language was going through the most change and if things hadn't happened in the way they did we probably wouldn't speak or write in the way we do.
We think simplicity, rurality, and think un-cultured, not advanced. Is that a pull over from colonialization? Or does it go even farther back than that. I know the 'other' is always seen as being less, but would that still apply to the Medieval?
I think Jackson brought up a good point when he referred to the impact British Imperialism has had on the world. Not only this, but the bubonic plague has a stigma attached that it set back the European world hundreds of years. It's often compared to the Roman period during their peak drawing comparisons to technology like aqueducts and the supposed civility of the Roman courts. But anyone knowledgeable on the time knows those were anything but civilized. (et tu brutus?)
I think its because of societies misconception that has altered this period. Society relates old, outdated and primitive measures/techniques with Medieval times. Like you mentioned or referenced pulp fiction when Marsellus Wallace tells Zedd he's gonna get Medieval on his a** after the grotesque events that occurred during that particular scene. I think it's also the era that is most commonly known, with regards to the past and knights, kings, etc. Other than the renaissance era, but then again that era is usually associated with the rich, historic figures that were notable in the arts, language and sciences. Usually when someone references the renaissance they think of positive, smart, intellectual, beauty expressive art. While Medieval conjures up ideas of dark, rainy, stone architecture, etc. I don't know where this misconception came from but I understand that its society that has misinterpreted this period of time and skewed it in a sense.
Love the Pulp Fiction reference!
The only thing is, we don't do this with any other historical period. No one ever says, "Oh, you're so Egyptian" or "Oh, that idea is sooooo Assyrian."
Why has the medieval period been identified with "backwards"?
@stjones Its interesting when we look at periods and civilizations, particularly in Europe. In most cases, only societies in Europe ever get recognition or acknowledgment. Meanwhile, societies and civilizations like China, Egypt and the Myans (Incas) among other highly advanced civilizations never get the recognition or attention they deserve. I think this also has to do with the imprint British Imperialism left on the world. We always remember the romans and the greeks for their impressive abilities and societies, as well as the Renaissance. You always here people who are fluent in language and capable of artistic abilities or their intellectual capacity referred to as, "Renaissance man/woman". The medieval period even in its name conjures up thoughts and beliefs about primitive behaviour and thoughts, even though this is false. I think because it was in between two highly recognized periods that its time period is looked at as going backwards.
I agree with Jackson that societies misconception altered this period. It is the same instance that video games portray this time period. Video games make the medieval times look dark and dingy, hence the "dark ages". Usually there isn't much vibrant colour in the video games at all.
You may have the beginning of a thesis here! I used to teach a class about color and its symbolism. You are correct: there is less color in society now than in the Middle Ages.
I think a lot of it has to do with the unfortunate habit that when we compare our current world to the past we always place ourselves as better. Our society has been constantly obsessed with the idea of modernity, that we are ever moving forward to a more modern and best us. If we look back at the medieval times with this mindset it is easy to think that we are better then they were.
In other words, it was prior to what we call "The Age of Reason" or the "Enlightenment" so it is unfortunately easy to jump to the assumption that those who lived in the middle ages were unenlightened, and void of reason. Popular culture has not helped this mindset at all. We see movies where there is brave knights and wealthy nobility but those who were in poverty were dirty and diseased.
"In other words, it was prior to what we call "The Age of Reason" or the "Enlightenment" so it is unfortunately easy to jump to the assumption that those who lived in the middle ages were unenlightened...."
You've hit the nail on the head. In fact, the Enlightenment is a name the 18-19th century gave to itself! And it was the very same people who thought themselves above their Medieval counterpart.
But there is more to it still and here's a hint:
This was a good read for anyone who has the time, its a bit longer but some interesting points were brought up with regards to the Roman era, Middle Ages and Renaissance period providing some depth into the criticism that the Medieval period faces.
Thanks for sharing! I will check it out....
I think we hear these terms of phrase due to the violence and such that took place in the medieval era. People were getting their heads cut off, disease was everywhere, and it overall was an awful time. Everyone thinks the medieval era was nothing more than bloody crusades and violence, when it was really an era of invention, reform, and discovery. There are so many beautiful pieces of art, literature, and more from this era. I think a lot of it is due to media depiction, honestly. Sorry for the late response, but I figured I should answer anyway!
There was less violence in Medieval period than there is now. How would you account for that? The 20th and 21st centuries are the bloodiest and most violent in history.
There's more to it ;)
I agree with Eric in that the past was much more evolved than we usually give it credit for. Although far before this time, I always think of the pyramids and how they weren't build with modern technology. Even building's that were build 50 years ago are still more sturdy than the fancy high-rises we build now. Just because something's old doesn't mean it's no longer relevant.
I can't remember if I'm mixing my classes here but I'm pretty sure this was the time where our language was going through the most change and if things hadn't happened in the way they did we probably wouldn't speak or write in the way we do.
We think simplicity, rurality, and think un-cultured, not advanced. Is that a pull over from colonialization? Or does it go even farther back than that. I know the 'other' is always seen as being less, but would that still apply to the Medieval?
I think Jackson brought up a good point when he referred to the impact British Imperialism has had on the world. Not only this, but the bubonic plague has a stigma attached that it set back the European world hundreds of years. It's often compared to the Roman period during their peak drawing comparisons to technology like aqueducts and the supposed civility of the Roman courts. But anyone knowledgeable on the time knows those were anything but civilized. (et tu brutus?)