About this module

This module predominantly covers a period spanning from the fall of the Roman Empire in western Europe in 476 CE through to approximately 1650. Within this timeframe, several movements occurred, including the Renaissance and the beginning of the Enlightenment. While this module will reference these movements, the terms “Middle Ages” and “Medieval” are used interchangeably to describe the era of European history being covered. This module does not use the term “Dark Ages” interchangeably. Further information about the term “Dark Ages” is addressed in theme two: “Bound to Service”.

The Library’s collection of medieval and renaissance treasures

The National Library of Australia’s collection of medieval and renaissance manuscripts comprises more than 6000 individual folios in 250 items and 12 bound volumes, dispersed across several collections. The bulk were acquired from two sources: ten volumes from the library of the 13th Baron Clifford of Chudleigh, and a large group of legal documents and fragments from manuscripts of theological, musico-liturgical and literary works from Sir Rex Nan Kivell, collected for his Calligraphy Collection.

This module draws on these wide-ranging collections. Selected works are used and examined to illustrate the experiences of people living in Europe during the Medieval period.

Through the generous support of donors, the National Library of Australia has been able to digitise a significant amount of this material. The digitised works can be browsed using the links below:

• The Clifford Collection, 13th-15th centuries. Ten volumes including books of hours and Bibles.
• The Nan Kivell Calligraphy Collection, 10th century to mid-19th century. 250 manuscript fragments and legal documents.

Module learning activities

Introductory activities

• The word Medieval inspires all kinds of associations in our minds. Some of them we have learned from study, some from TV or movies and others from stories and fairytales, but not all of them are true.
  • As a class, brainstorm what the word Medieval makes you think.
  • Once a list is formed, ask the class to work out where these associations come from/where they have heard these things. Group them together.
  • How many come from fact (for example, books, documentaries)? How many from fiction (for example, movies, fairytales)?
  • Investigate one or more of these associations to find out if they are real or made up about the Medieval period.
• The word Medieval comes from the Latin phrase "medium aevum" meaning middle age. It was used by scholars in the 1600s to describe the era between the ancient world and their own. Modern English uses many words that have Latin roots or parts.
  • Identify a list of words with Latin roots or use some of the examples below:
    • Medium
    • Nautical
    • Agriculture
    • Population
    • Circle
    • Australia
    • Emperor
    • Exit
    • Vacuum
• Assign a word to a group of students. Have them use a dictionary or online search to find the Latin root of each word. Some words will have evolved to modern English from Latin through other languages in between.
  • As an extension, challenge students to find as many words of Latin origin as they can, using an online search in a set time.
  • How many of them do we use in our everyday lives?
• The medieval period in Europe was a time of great social change. After the fall of the Roman Empire, many new nations emerged in Europe and had to find stability and ways to thrive. However, in other parts of the world, people in other societies were thriving or rising to meet challenges of their own.
  • Using the time frame of 476 CE to 1685 CE, have students investigate another region of the world and a society therein. Students can pick a time, or the teacher may choose a time for them.
  • Create a country profile of the identified nation. Try to include some of the following:
    • Population
    • Geography in which the society lives
    • Social structure
    • Language(s)
    • Extent of territory during the chosen time
    • Leader(s)
    • Belief system
    • Goods produced
    • Major cities, regions, areas
    • Relationships with other societies

Concluding activities

• Along with knights in shining armour, castles are another enduring image of the Medieval era. From small fortifications to mighty fortresses with towering battlements, castles dominate the history and fiction of the times.
  • Have students tour the renowned Warwick Castle, UK, using Virtual Reality.
  • The tour through the castle includes the Great Hall, with an astonishing array of Medieval armour and weaponry.
  • Access the tour online on the Warwick Castle Education site.
• The signing of the Magna Carta was one of the most influential moments in English legal history. It is a royal charter of rights, and it was the first document to be signed into law that declared the monarch and their government were not above the law. The original document was written in 1215 CE; however, there were several revisions, including in 1297.
  • Australia has a copy of a 1297 Magna Carta; this is held at Parliament House in Canberra. Information about Australia's Magna Carta can be found on the Parliament of Australia website.
  • The National Library of Australia holds a digitised copy of a reproduction Magna Carta. The first page shows the original Latin wording and the second shows an English translation. Explore this important document with the class.
• The National Library of Australia has digitised many of its Medieval manuscripts and has made them available on its website.
  • Explore the Medieval Manuscripts collection