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Ellen Fenzel Arnold, "Medieval Riverscapes: Environment and Memory in Northwest Europe, C. 300-1100" (Cambridge UP, 2024)
Mar 1, 2025
Ellen Arnold, a Senior lecturer at The Ohio State University and expert in medieval environmental history, dives into the significance of rivers in her discussion. She explores how medieval communities viewed rivers as living entities that shaped their cultural narratives and identities. Arnold examines the impact of local governance on water management, and the often-overlooked stories of the less privileged in river economies. Additionally, she highlights the role of rivers in monastic journeys and their profound influence on community memory and cultural identity.
53:35
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Quick takeaways
- Medieval riverscapes served as cultural touchstones, shaping community identities through narratives that reflected ecological and socio-cultural transformations.
- The active role of medieval communities in managing their river environments challenges traditional views, highlighting human agency in environmental history.
Deep dives
The Personal Journey to Understanding Rivers
The author shares a unique journey that led to a fascination with rivers and their historical significance. Initially studying freshwater ecology, they became drawn to environmental history and the narratives that surround scientific understanding. This shift was influenced by experiences in Germany and positive mentorship, ultimately guiding them to explore how medieval communities engaged with their riverine environments. The confluence of these interests culminated in a desire to address broader themes of how human relationships with rivers shaped cultural and ecological identities.
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