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Gone Medieval
Rewriting the First Crusade
Sep 6, 2024
Dr. Thomas Smith, a leading historian of the Crusades, joins Matt Lewis to unravel the complexities of the First Crusade. They discuss how a collection of 22 crusader letters challenges traditional narratives and underscores authenticity issues in medieval scholarship. Dr. Smith introduces the concept of 'textual archaeology,' revealing original manuscripts beneath later alterations. The conversation also explores how local agendas shaped crusade narratives, inviting listeners to rethink their perceptions of this pivotal historical event.
44:42
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Quick takeaways
- The 22 surviving letters from the First Crusade provide unique insights and nuanced perspectives often overlooked in traditional historical narratives.
- Determining the authenticity of these letters is complex, as many may have been modified or invented, challenging long-held scholarly assumptions.
Deep dives
Significance of Epistles in the First Crusade
The episode discusses the importance of the 22 surviving letters, known as epistles, from the First Crusade, dated between 1095 and 1100. These letters offer unique insights from various contributors, including popes, bishops, and crusaders writing from campaign camps, making them vital sources for understanding the events and cultural context of the time. While much focus has been placed on long narratives of the crusade, the letters provide nuanced perspectives often overlooked in mainstream historical discourse. They reveal the dynamic nature of medieval communication and the immediacy with which contemporaries responded to the crusade as it unfolded.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode