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Tides of History

Duels, Violence, and Conflict in Early Modern Europe: Interview with Professor Stuart Carroll

Feb 6, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Professor Stuart Carroll, a historian from the University of York and author of "Blood and Violence in Early Modern France," delves into the tumultuous nature of early modern Europe. He explores the societal norms surrounding dueling and violence, emphasizing how honor shaped conflicts among the nobility. Carroll also analyzes the evolution of conflict resolution methods and draws parallels between past and present political violence, shedding light on the emotional currents that drive societal divisions today.
55:05

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Duels were a common form of conflict resolution in early modern Europe, reflective of societal norms and lacking strong legal systems.
  • Honor acted as a crucial social currency, increasingly influencing violence as social mobility rose during the Renaissance.

Deep dives

The Nature of Historical Duels

Duels were once a common resolution for disputes in early modern Europe, formalized through agreed-upon rules of engagement. These confrontations stemmed from various conflicts, such as noblemen feuding over inheritances or peasants involved in long-standing vendettas. The speaker emphasizes that such violence was embedded in societal norms, highlighting that the way disputes were resolved was profoundly different from modern practices. Understanding these historical practices of conflict is crucial for comprehending the societal structures and values of that time.

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