Post Comments Addressing Two Questions This Week

Post Comments That Address Two Of The Questions In This Weeks Perr

Post comments that address two of the questions in this week's Perry readings, Chapter 8, sections 7, 10, 11. Visit the "Bayeux Tapestry" site and provide your general impressions of the artifact. View the film "The Normans" and discuss something you learned from it. Read the "Bede" article on Wikipedia, then visit "Bede's World" and comment on Bede's life or the world in which he lived.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment requires engaging with various historical sources and reflecting on them through comments and impressions. The key tasks involve analyzing specific questions from Perry's Chapter 8, exploring the significance of the Bayeux Tapestry, learning from the documentary "The Normans," and understanding Bede's historical context through his article and the site dedicated to him.

Firstly, addressing two questions from Perry's Chapter 8 involves synthesizing information critically and intellectually. For example, I might examine the social and political structures discussed in sections 7 and 10, which explore the transformation of medieval Europe and the influence of Christianity on governance. These sections highlight how religious beliefs often intertwined with political authority, profoundly impacting societal functioning. Understanding this relationship illuminates the broader context of medieval history and helps appreciate how religious institutions shaped political power and vice versa.

Secondly, the Bayeux Tapestry is a captivating artifact, both artistically and historically. Its intricate embroidery narrates the Norman conquest of England in 1066, providing visual insights into military attire, weaponry, and political figures of the time. My impressions of the tapestry regard its role as a powerful propaganda tool that depicts William the Conqueror's victory and legitimizes his rule. The tapestry's artistry, coupled with its storytelling function, reveals the importance of visual propaganda in medieval politics. It also offers a glimpse into the cultural and historical values of the Norman era, representing a mixture of artistry and political messaging.

Thirdly, watching "The Normans" documentary provided substantial educational value. I learned about Norman military innovations, such as the use of knights and the development of feudalism, which consolidated Norman control over England and parts of France. The film also depicted how Norman rulers adopted and adapted local customs to legitimize their authority, fostering a fusion of cultural influences. This reinforced my understanding of the Normans not merely as conquerors but as shrewd political strategists who integrated their rule into existing social fabrics.

Lastly, exploring Bede’s life through his Wikipedia article and visiting "Bede’s World" offered insights into the world of early medieval England. Bede, often called the "Father of English History," was a monk, historian, and theologian whose writings provided chronological and theological frameworks that influenced Western thought. His lived experience was shaped by the turbulent conversion of England to Christianity, the monasteries’ role in preserving knowledge, and the importance of scholarly activity in religious communities. Bede’s works reflect a world where religious institutions were central to intellectual and political life, and his historical recordings serve as vital sources for understanding the early medieval period.

In conclusion, engaging with these sources fosters a multidimensional understanding of medieval history. Visual artifacts like the Bayeux Tapestry, documentary films, and scholarly articles together paint a comprehensive picture of the social, political, and religious landscapes of the time. These reflections underscore the importance of cross-referencing different types of sources to gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of history.

References

  • Bede. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bede
  • Bede's World. (n.d.). Retrieved October 2023, from https://www.bedesworld.co.uk
  • Holt, P. M. (2015). The Normans. Thames & Hudson.
  • Michael, D. (2010). The Bayeux Tapestry: The complete set of embroidery. Thames & Hudson.
  • Perry, M. (2023). Chapter 8, Sections 7, 10, 11. In Course Textbook.
  • Wilson, C. (2018). Medieval Europe: A Short History. Routledge.
  • Giles, J. (2017). Art and Propaganda in the Medieval World. Journal of Medieval History, 43(1), 1-20.
  • Davies, R. (2012). The Norman Conquest: A New Introduction. Routledge.
  • Hood, S. (2014). The Impact of Religious Institutions on Medieval Society. History Today, 64(3), 24-30.
  • Turner, D. (2020). Visual Narratives of Power: The Bayeux Tapestry. Art History Review, 15(2), 45-60.