The Nasi of Narbonne: A Problem in Medieval Historiography
Jeremy M. Cohen
In his introduction to A Study of History , Toynbee observed that “in modern Western historical research, as in industry, the quantity and location raw materials threaten govern lives human beings.” an inability manufacture own sources yet with a reluctance overlook any means for brightening obscure picture past, historian may at times allow insufficient evidence support interpretations gain acceptance merely lack anything better. Such occupational hazard inevitably plagues all branches historiography, but it is more prevalent efforts unravel mysteries “darker” epochs, like those Europe early Middle Ages. Not only does scanty source material limit historian's treatment this period, peculiar interests, motivations, backgrounds medieval writers restrict legitimate use few documents which do exist. The medievalist's eye must be once discerning critical, careful not wary so misuse it, even if no other point contradictory conclusions.
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