Representations of the Middle Ages in Enlightenment Historiography
P.G.J.M. Raedts
In the eighteenth century image of medieval past Europe changed from an utterly negative representation to a more positive one. First, increasing knowledge non-European cultures and difference in their development savage commercial led reconstruction history as progressive process civilisation. So, Middle Ages could no longer be dismissed barbaric interval between Rome Renaissance. Historians, such Robertson Voltaire, although they never liked Ages, saw it time growth rise bourgeoisie. Second, German philosophers, Herder, developed notion that all were equal unique: therefore, culture had considered on its own merits, despite character. Con clusion : 1750 onwards seen integral European past, though not much liked. It was romantic era represented height
Medieval History Journal