A risk society? Environmental hazards, risk and resilience in the later Middle Ages in Europe
Christopher Gerrard|David Petley
Modern society is said to have restructured in reaction contemporary hazards with the aim of improving its management risk. This implies that pre-industrial societies were somehow fundamentally different. In this paper, we challenge hypothesis by examining ways which risks associated environmental managed and mitigated during Middle Ages (defined here as period from 1000 1550 AD). Beginning a review many case studies rapid onset disasters across Europe, draw upon both historical archaeological evidence architectural assessments structural damage for what pre-instrumental period. Building this, second part paper explores individual outlooks on risk, emphasising diversity popular belief central importance Christianity framing attitudes. Despite their religious perspectives, find medieval communities not helpless face serious hazards. We argue instead response these threats was frequently complex, considered and, at times, surprisingly modern.
Natural Hazards|Durham Research Online (Durham University)|Durham Research Online (Durham University)