Uploaded: 04 Apr 2012 (15 years ago) · Shared: 29 Sep 2017
Duration: 50:01
Video Description
In this compelling Yale lecture, Professor Paul Freedman explores the complex dynamics of Frankish society during the Early Middle Ages. Delving into the Merovingian dynasty, the discussion examines how kinship, private vengeance, and religion maintained social order in a post-Roman world lacking a strong centralized government. Viewers will gain valuable insights into early history and the crucial role of the Christian Church in shaping early medieval governance, law, and leadership.
Through the historical writings of Gregory of Tours, Professor Freedman highlights how violence, supernatural threats, and faith intersected to influence both the monarchy and local bishops. This video offers a rich academic perspective on the delicate balance between royal authority and religious institutions. Perfect for students and historical scholars alike, this informative presentation illuminates foundational moments in Western history, providing deep contextual knowledge on early Christian society, societal bonds, and the ultimate decline of the Merovingians.
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Who is Paul Freedman?Paul Freedman is the Chester D Tripp Professor of History at Yale University. He specializes in medieval social history, the history of Spain, the study of medieval peasantry, and medieval cuisine.
What is Roman?In historiography, ancient Rome is Roman civilization. From the founding of the city of Rome in the 8th century BC to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, encompassing the Roman Kingdom, Roman Republic and Roman Empire until the fall of the western empire. The civilization began as an Italic settlement in the Italian peninsula, dating from the 8th century BC, that grew into the city of Rome and which subsequently gave its name to the empire over which it ruled and to the widespread civilisation the empire developed. The Roman empire expanded to become one of the largest empires in the ancient world, though still ruled from the city, with an estimated 50 to 90 million inhabitants (roughly 20% of the world's population) and covering 5.0 million square kilometres at its height in AD 117.
