November 01, 2003Medieval History Blog Archives |
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One Arabian Night . . .In the eighth century, one caliph was particularly renowned for the splendor of his court. It is believed that Harun al-Rashid and his fabulous lifestyle became the inspiration for the earliest tales in The Thousand and One Nights. Find out more about the fifth caliph of the Abbasid dynasty, and about the intrigue surrounding his rise to power, in our Who's Who resource.07:37 PM # Timeline - the MovieMichael Crichton's SF novel Timeline -- a time trip into the fourteenth century -- has been made into a movie and it opens in theaters today. Directed by Richard Donner (who directed one of my favorite films, Ladyhawke), it stars Paul Walker, Billy Connolly and David Thewlis. Connolly is almost as good an actor as he is a comic, and when Thewlis plays a bad guy he's very, very good, so I have high hopes for the performances. And from the coming attractions, I think we can expect some impressive special effects. But should we expect historical accuracy? Of course not! Let's not forget this is a Hollywood picture, and its purpose is not to educate but to entertain. And unlike Braveheart, which was a "serious" picture, Timeline is an action-adventure flick that should be forgiven most historical flaws, especially if it delivers excitement and a good story. When I see it, I plan to think of it as a story from an alternate reality: "Hollywoodland." (That's how I watch most historical pics these days.) If you see it, be sure to take the historical details with a grain of salt. And if you're wondering if anything in particular is accurate, come on over to our forum and ask!
03:56 PM # Call to CrusadeOn November 27, 1095, Pope Urban II made a stirring speech at the Council of Clermont exhorting Christian knights to take up arms and travel to the Holy Land. Soon word spread throughout Europe, thanks in part to the preachings of Peter the Hermit, and the Crusades were underway. Although Urban was ostensibly answering a call for help from Emperor Alexius Comnenus, he appears to have had his own agenda. Find out more about the start of the Crusades in this feature by your guide.12:00 AM # Doctor MirabilisCenturies ahead of his time, Roger Bacon took empirical approaches to scientific study that would have a significant influence on future scientists. He devoted his life to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge, and for his passion for teaching he became known as Doctor Mirabilis - "Wonderful Teacher."12:01 AM # Fra AngelicoKnown for such extraordinary works as The Annunciation, Fra Angelico was a monk whose artwork reflects the artistic trends of his times and illustrates that he did not stay cloistered in the monastery. Although he was given the name "Angelico" after his death in reference to his moral virtues, the appellation suits his superb artwork as well. Find out more about this remarkable artist in our Who's Who resource.04:16 AM # Charlemagne's PopeAs soon as he was elected, Pope Leo III threw his support behind the King of the Franks, beginning one of the most significant alliances between Church and State in medieval Europe. In 799 Leo was attacked in the streets of Rome and fled to Charlemagne for assistance; later, Leo would crown the Frankish king Emperor. Find out more about this early medieval pope and his important relationship with the most powerful western leader of his times in our Who's Who resource.01:19 AM # Thomas AquinasIn the thirteenth century, the philosophy of Scholasticism dominated medieval theological studies. Thomas Aquinas, the foremost medieval Scholasticist, created a synthesis of the most significant philosophies of the day that became known as Thomism. In succeeding generations, Thomism would come to characterize medieval thought and education, and Thomas Aquinas would be canonized and made a Doctor of the Church.01:15 AM # From Viking Raider to French DukeIn the early tenth century a Viking raider, said to have been too tall to comfortably ride a horse, led his band into France. The French king, Charles the Simple, unable to hold them off for long, negotiated a deal that gave the Vikings land in return for their agreement to stop pillaging the French countryside. "Rollo the Walker" became Duke Rollo of Normandy, and a powerful dynasty was begun. In the centuries to come, Normans would conquer Sicily, Southern Italy and England.02:13 PM # BelisariusOne of the greatest commanders in Byzantine history served Justinian I all too well. He helped suppress the Nike Rebellion, won extraordinary victories in Italy and Mesopotamia, and remained staunchly loyal in spite of unruly troops and a suspicious emperor. Find out more about the dangerous paths of glory tread by General Belisarius in our Who's Who resource.11:08 AM # KingmakerMention the Wars of the Roses and one name is sure to spring to mind. He helped Edward IV achieve the throne and, later, replaced him temporarily with the deposed Henry VI. His career seemed an endless stream of battles; he made his name at the first Battle of Saint Albans, secured his power base at Towton, and lost his life at Barnet. He was Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick: the Kingmaker.02:29 PM # The First Muslim CaliphAbu Bakr was the closest friend and companion of Muhammad and the first Muslim caliph. He was one of the first men to convert to Islam, and was chosen by the Prophet as his companion on the hijrah to Medina. Find out more about this significant historical figure in our Who's Who resource.12:49 PM # |
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