Trading Places, Towns, Royal Palaces and Fortifications: Early Medieval Centres in Europe (400-1100AD) (ARC3126)

15 credits

In this module you will explore the world of early medieval centres in Europe, both on the Continent and the British Isles. The following questions will be addressed: What kind of centres existed in early medieval Europe? What was their layout like, what spatial experience did they offer to their inhabitants and visitors? Where were they placed in the landscape? Who lived at these centres (number of inhabitants, age, gender, identities)? What kind of symbolic meanings did these sites possess? Were there differences/similarities between European regions? How did these centres relate to early medieval social change? What roles do these sites play in maintaining present-day identities?