2004: Great Eras of Europe Debate - Institute for Public History
Village Roadshow Theatrette, State Library of Victoria 21 November 2004
Sponsored by The Institute for Public
History, Monash University & Historia Events*
Village Roadshow Theatrette, State Library of Victoria
Preamble
It is generally acknowledged that European history is viewed in several key eras. Three of the most popular and evocative eras are the Graeco-Roman classical antiquity, the medieval period and the Renaissance. Debate has raged over the centuries on which era has been the most influential in the development of European culture and civilisation. The classical antiquity is revered for setting Europe on a course of scientific enquiry, philosophical discourse and the importance of personal freedom and choice. The medieval period is celebrated for consolidating Christianity as the faith of Europe, reformulating European identity, out of the ashes of the Western Roman Empire, incorporating other 'barbarian' peoples into the mosaic of Europe and developing a brand new language of art and architecture. The Renaissance is viewed as the rebirth of classical scientific and political thought, the apex of the concept that humanity is the measure of all things and the emergence of the nation state, a nation state that began to colonise the globe.
Some people do not view these periods equally. Traditionally the classical antiquity and the Renaissance are seen as periods of greatness, separated by the darkness of the medieval period. New research and academic argument reveals that not to be the case. Medieval Europe is now seen as a pivotal period where the trends that shaped the Renaissance and even modern Europe were set in motion.
This event is a two part presentation. In the first part, academics representing the three eras will showcase the glories of their respective periods. The second part will bring a lively and light-hearted debate on which of the three is the most influential in the development of European culture and civilisation. Which historical period best defines what Europe is all about?
Program
- Introduction : Ode to Joy (EU theme music)
- Europa Personified : Kathleen Hay
- Three lectures that illustrate the 'glories' of these three eras (Moderator: Eamonn Kelly)
- Classical: Greece and Rome: Jane Griffiths, Classical Greece (Monash) & Ron Ridley, Rome (Melb)
- Medieval: East and West: Constant Mews (Monash) & Roger Scott (Melb)
- Renaissance: North and South: Bill Kent (Monash) & Catherine Kovesi-Killeby (Melb)
- Closing and Judgement: Kathleen Hay
Thanks to the terrific performances and spirit of all the speakers, and a wonderfully responsive audience of more than ninety, this event was a great success.
*Historia Events
Historia Events stages theatrically oriented academic events that are pitched for general public appeal. The team is comprised of history enthusiasts, drawn from both academia and the general community and it includes members from business, re-enactment groups, theatre and the arts and universities. The objectives of Historia Events are to:
- popularize history through the staging of creative events
- increase community interest and enjoyment of history
- broaden community interest in histories of all people throughout the world
- promote the study of history in various modes and formats