IMC 2021: Sessions
Session 1115: Before the Anthropocene, II: Medieval Concepts of Interdependent Human-Nature Relations
Wednesday 7 July 2021, 11.15-12.45
Organiser: | Martin Bauch, Leibniz-Institut für Geschichte und Kultur des östlichen Europa, Leipzig |
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Moderator/Chair: | Annabell Engel, Leibniz-Institut für Geschichte und Kultur des östlichen Europa, Leipzig |
Paper 1115-a | Nature and 'Governance': Extreme Natural Events and the Implementation of New Ideas in the Carolingian Age (Language: English) Index terms: Historiography - Medieval, Political Thought, Politics and Diplomacy, Religious Life |
Paper 1115-b | Rainfall and Flooding in Early Medieval Italy: Narrative Tropes and Natural Climate Proxies (Language: English) Index terms: Daily Life, Economics - General, Historiography - Medieval, Technology |
Abstract | The distinction between the course of nature and the course of history is a modern one. Medieval societies all over the world were already able to think reflexively on their impact on environment. Indeed, they assumed that human behavior influenced natural conditions, particularly weather, mediated by religious concepts that crossed into the spheres of politics and economy. Both European and non-European societies accepted that 'bad' human actions would backlash in inclement weather while 'good' behavior would lead to benevolent conditions. This relationship has been interpreted by historians rather simplistically as a 'retributive theology', while it held much greater social implications. |