What Was Going On In The Middle Ages? with Dr. Janina Ramirez
Oct 11, 2023
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Dr. Janina Ramirez, cultural historian, takes us back to the Middle Ages. Topics include abortions, Viking misconceptions, and the empowering women of that era.
Hildegard of Bingham challenges assumptions about the Middle Ages, showcasing the complexity and diversity of women in history.
Marjorie Kemp defies societal norms through her Christian-based mysticism, contributing to the understanding of medieval women as international superstars.
The Crusades shape the societal landscape of the Middle Ages, leading to gender shifts and highlighting the resilience and adaptability of medieval women.
Deep dives
Hildegard of Bingham: A Multifaceted Visionary
Hildegard of Bingham, an extraordinary woman from the Middle Ages, challenges assumptions about the time period. She combines pagan and Christian symbols in her jewelry, showcasing ideological changes of the time. She is known for her pioneering work in medicine, music, and writing, including the first description of female orgasm. Hildegard is an example of a feminist icon, although the term feminism did not exist in her time. Her life exemplifies the complexity and diversity of women in history.
Marjorie Kemp: A Fearless Traveler and Visionary
Marjorie Kemp, an iconic figure from the Middle Ages, challenges societal norms through her Christian-based mysticism. She embarks on incredible journeys, traveling to various countries and encountering different cultures. Marjorie's autobiography, one of the earliest written in English by a woman, showcases her unconventional relationships with Jesus, Mary, and the disciples. She defies expectations and contributes to the understanding of medieval women as international superstars, challenging the notion of a closed-off and ignorant medieval world.
Crusades and Changing Gender Dynamics
The Crusades, beginning in the 12th century, shape the societal landscape of the Middle Ages. Initially aimed at reclaiming Jerusalem from Muslims, the Crusades gradually decline in success and become a drain on resources. This leads to a gender shift, with women taking on more responsibilities as men leave for the Crusades. The Albigensian Crusades, conflicts between Christian factions in France, further contribute to changing gender dynamics. The Crusades have wide-reaching consequences for European society and highlight the resilience and adaptability of medieval women.
The Complexity and Cultural Blending of the Viking Age
During the Viking Age, there was a complex interplay between different cultures, including Scandinavian and southern European cultures. While there was intense fighting and bloodshed during this period, there were also instances of cultural blending and harmonious relationships. The Vikings were not a single homogeneous group, but rather different factions with different rulers and beliefs. They were travelers, traders, and explorers, reaching as far as Constantinople and Newfoundland. The art and artifacts from this period reveal a diverse range of influences and cultural threads.
Revisiting Misconceptions About the Medieval Period
The medieval period has often been misrepresented as a time of ignorance, darkness, and superstition. However, recent research challenges this narrative and highlights the power and agency of women during this era. Unlike the commonly held belief that women's rights were stripped away after the medieval period, evidence shows that women found real opportunities and rights during this time. The concept of witch trials, for example, emerged many centuries later and was not tied to medieval practices. The medieval period was far more inclusive and diverse than previously understood, with examples of gender fluidity and racial diversity.
Warrior princesses. Gender-bending Vikings. Nuns who were writing about orgasms and writing world-class music. This week, Dr. Janina Ramirez is taking us back to the 400s—and introducing us to the baddies of the Middle Ages. What did people think about abortions? Did Vikings really wear horned helmets? And why is this period anything but a dark age?
Dr. Janina Ramirez is a cultural historian, broadcaster and author based at the University of Oxford. Her research began with a degree in English literature at Oxford, followed by an MA and PhD at the Centre for Medieval Studies in York on the art, literature and culture of Anglo-Saxon England.
Our executive producer is Erica Getto. Our producer is Chris McClure. Our associate producer is Allison Weiss. Our engineer is Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall.
Our theme music is “Freak” by QUIÑ; for more, head to TheQuinCat.com.
