A History of the World in 100 Objects
Hedwig glass beaker
Jun 22, 2010
This podcast explores the medieval world and the connections between war, trade, and faith. The focus is on a glass beaker associated with the miracles of a Christian saint, Hedwig. It discusses the involvement of Islamic glass workers, the port city of Acre, the Crusades, and the flourishing trade during that time. The podcast also explores the use of delicate glass beakers as chalices, the rise of women saints, and the trade between Europe and the Middle East.
14:09
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Quick takeaways
- The glass beakers associated with the Christian saint Hedwig, known for turning water into wine, were most likely made by Islamic glass workers in the Middle East, revealing the interconnectedness of trade and religion during the Crusades.
- Despite the ongoing conflict between Christians and Muslims during the Crusades, trade thrived between Europe and the Middle East, with goods like silks, glassware, and ceramics exchanged and manufactured by Muslim craftsmen on the Syrian-Lebanese coast.
Deep dives
The Miraculous Beakers of Hedwig
The podcast explores the fascinating story of Hedwig, a royal saint in Central Europe who became a national and religious symbol. One of her most famous miracles was turning water into wine in her glass beakers. Surprisingly, recent research suggests that these beakers, revered as evidence of a Christian miracle, were most likely made by Islamic glass workers in the Middle East. The beakers provide insights into the high religious politics of the Crusades and the flourishing trade between Christians and Muslims during that time.
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