High levels of illiteracy during medieval times meant the so-called ‘dark’ ages were actually a period of surprising cultural richness, with the majority of people relying on vibrant art, drama and music to learn.  In a special week of events organised by the British Academy and Royal Society of Edinburgh, new light will be cast on the cultural life of this fascinating period in history. 

Eight events across Medieval Week - including four lectures by academics from the University of Glasgow - will uncover the truth behind preconceived notions of the Dark or Middle Ages (c.500 – 1400 AD).  In a series of talks, lectures and ‘in conversation’ events, experts will explore different aspects of medieval life, highlighting the similarities and differences from our own time.

Was Robert the Bruce really the hero he is so often portrayed as?  Was the Declaration of Arbroath mere propaganda?  Why did medieval poets turn old age into a person?  And why were relics so very important to medieval people?  These are just some of the fascinating topics up for discussion over four nights from 15-18 November 2010.

Each day features a pair of linked events starting at 6pm and ending with a reception at 8pm.  All events are free but tickets are required and will take place at the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ

Dr William Duncan, Chief Executive, the Royal Society of Edinburgh said: "As Scotland's National Academy of Science and Letters, the RSE is delighted to be working in partnership with the British Academy - our sister UK academy for humanities and social sciences, in presenting this fascinating series of free events about different aspects of medieval life and thought."

Tim Brassell from the British Academy said: "This unique collaboration between the British Academy and the Royal Society of Edinburgh will try to illuminate our understanding of the so-called ‘dark’ ages.  Whether you know a little or a lot about this period, top UK experts will lead us back into the past to reveal fascinating insights into the dynamic culture and thinking of the time."     
  
Further information:
Martin Shannon, Senior Media Relations Officer
University of Glasgow Tel: 0141 330 8593

Notes

• The British Academy and Royal Society of Edinburgh present Medieval Week 2010.  Events will take place from 6pm.  All events are free to attend and will take place at the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, EH2 2PQ.  Tickets can be ordered online at www.royalsoced.org.uk/events/forms or through the ticketline – 0131 240 2780

Medieval Week - 15-18 November 2010

MONDAY 15 NOVEMBER
6pm
MONUMENTS IN MOTION
Professor Rosemary Cramp CBE, FBA in conversation with Dr Barbara Crawford FRSE

7pm
PORTABLE CHRISTIANITY: RELICS IN THE MEDIEVAL WEST    (c. 700-1200)
Lecture by Professor Julia Smith, University of Glasgow
The Raleigh Lecture on History 2010

TUESDAY 16 NOVEMBER
6pm
‘HE THAT ALL OUR COMFORD WAS’?
Robert the Bruce in Scottish Sources Before Barbour’s Bruce
Professor Dauvit Broun, University of Glasgow in conversation with Professor Alexander Broadie FRSE

7pm
MORE THAN “SKIMBLE-SKAMBLE" STUFF: THE MEDIEVAL WELSH POETRY ASSOCIATED WITH OWAIN GLYNDYR
Lecture by Emeritus Professor Gruffydd Aled Williams
The Sir John Rhys Memorial Lecture 2010

WEDNESDAY 17 NOVEMBER
6pm
‘THE MIDDLE AGES – A DISTANT MIRROR’
Medieval life and death and through the centuries
Professor Graham Caie FRSE,University of Glasgow in conversation with Dr Chris Jones

7pm
PERSONIFICATIONS OF OLD AGE IN MEDIEVAL POETRY
Lecture by Professor Ad Putter
The Sir Israel Gollancz Memorial Lecture 2010

THURSDAY 18 NOVEMBER
6pm
THE PAST AS PROPAGANDA: THE DECLARATION OF ARBROATH
Talk by Professor Alexander Broadie FRSE, University of Glasgow.

7pm
THE PAST AS PROPAGANDA: THE MONGOL ‘WORLD HISTORY’
Lecture by Professor Robert Hillenbrand FBA FRSE
The Aspects of Art Lecture 2010

• The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s national academy, was founded in 1783 and the Fellowship today includes some of the best intellectual talent in academia, the professions and business. The RSE facilitates public debate, research programmes, educational projects and policy formulation. Its strength is its diversity and impartiality. The Society’s unique multi-disciplinary approach enables it to draw from and link with a broad spectrum of expertise to enhance the understanding of globally-important issues. In fulfilling its Royal Charter for the ‘advancement of learning and useful knowledge’, the RSE seeks to contribute to the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of Scotland.

• The British Academy, established by Royal Charter in 1902, champions and supports the humanities and social sciences. It aims to inspire, recognise and support excellence and high achievement across the UK and internationally.   For more information, please visit www.britac.ac.uk


First published: 9 November 2010

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