Medieval: Another Tyrannous Construct?
Timothy Reuter
This article examines how far the use of term 'medieval' restricts or distorts our understanding period conventionally termed so. The tripartite ancient—medieval—modern scheme entered historical writing in seventeenth century, but soon took on its own life outside historiography. Within historiography, division has remained dominant periodisation, even though plausible alternatives have been offered. However, those working as European medievalists only rarely see themselves forming a group studying coherent and discrete socio- cultural formation: apart from anything else, Europe itself is problematic notion Middle Ages. term, within academe, now largely conventional one. appears also to be case for extra-European contexts: it denotes either post-classical age feudal society (here non-academic usage, medieval are often synonymous). temporal limits vary, there broad similarities. argues that too conventionalised much any dialogue between different parts globe: does not clearly define social formation stage development.
Medieval History Journal