Reflections of a Militarised World? Perceptions and conceptions of war and the military in the early Middle Ages (ca. 500–1000)

Reflections of a Militarised World? Perceptions and conceptions of war and the military in the early Middle Ages (ca. 500–1000)

Veranstalter
Arbeitsbereich Geschichte der Spätantike und des frühen Mittelalters der Freien Universität Berlin / Fritz Thyssen Stiftung
Veranstaltungsort
Ort
Berlin
Land
Deutschland
Vom - Bis
19.09.2017 - 21.09.2017
Deadline
15.12.2016
Website
Von
Laury Sarti

Since the end of Antiquity, the societies of western Europe underwent a continual process of militarisation. This process intensified during the early Middle Ages, and came to be a defining characteristic of the period. Militarisation can be identified by the lack of demarcation between the martial and civil spheres of the population, weapons becoming increasingly widespread and warlike attributes, activities, and values being widely recognised and respected. Militarisation also impacted on how members of early medieval societies perceived their worldly position.

Since January 2016 a project funded by the Fritz Thyssen Stiftung is conducted at the Freie Universität Berlin to study “The Militarisation of early medieval Societies. Nature, Control and Perception in a west-European Comparison”. It is a first attempt to comprehensively analyse this phenomenon during the formative period of the early Middle Ages, which is done by way of comparing Anglo-Saxon Britain, Lombard Italy and the Frankish kingdoms. For more information on the project, please visit our page: http://www.geschkult.fu-berlin.de/e/fmi/institut/arbeitsbereiche/ab_esders/Thyssen-Projekt/Thyssen-Projekt_GB.html.

In the framework of this project an international conference on “Reflections of a Militarised World? Perceptions and conceptions of war and the military in the early Middle Ages (ca. 500–1000)” will be held from September 19th to 21st 2017 in Berlin. The idea is to take a close look at contemporary ways to perceive and to think about war and the military and to discuss what conclusions may be drawn from these findings with regard to contemporary society. Questions that may be raised include but should not be limited to the concept and significance of war and peace, the terminology used to refer to praiseworthy and blameworthy qualities and abilities in a (potential) fighting man, the concept of maleness, heroism and warriorhood, the significance and legitimacy of military participation and the symbolism of weaponry. The conference language will be English.

We are pleased to invite young researchers on a doctoral or post-doctoral level working on related fields to submit a proposal for a paper of up to 30 minutes as an abstract of approximately 400 words, together with a brief CV. We seek to invite up to four successful applicants to participate at the conference. Hotel accommodation and meals will be provided and we are able to add a reimbursement of up to 300 Euro to cover travel expenses to Berlin. Submissions should be sent to Dr. Laury Sarti: laury.sarti@fu-berlin.de. The deadline for submission is December 15th 2016. You will be notified of your paper acceptance or non-acceptance before the end of January 2017. We look forward to receiving your proposals!

Programm

Kontakt

Laury Sarti

Koserstr. 20, 14195 Berlin

laury.sarti@fu-berlin.de