The Workshop on Late Antiquity and Byzantium, in collaboration with the Medieval Studies Workshop, is pleased to announce our next meeting:
Phantoms of Literacy: Communication through Letters and Charters in the Early Middle Ages (6-8th c.)
St. Gallen, Stiftsbibliothek, Cod. Sang 190, p. 3
Dr. Julian Führer
University of Zürich
When we read early medieval letters and charters, how much do they convey a reliable idea of actual written communication? This talk will examine the legal requirements of writing down transactions, the control exercised over the use of the written word (especially in religious contexts), and the social background of writing letters. The difference between late antique and early medieval literacy originated in political, religious, social, and material factors—all of which are relevant for the transmission of these texts.
Tuesday, November 15 — 4:30 pm in CWAC 153
We look forward to seeing you there!