Medieval Liege at the Crossroads of Europe

Monastic Society and Culture, 1000-1300

Edited by Steven Vanderputten Edited by Tjamke Snijders Edited by Jay Diehl

Book cover: Medieval Liege at the Crossroads of Europe

Extent: 381 pages

Publisher: Brepols Publishers

Subjects: Medieval Studies, Religious Studies

Series: Medieval Church Studies

Series volume number: 37

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(May 2017)

ISBN: 9782503545400

Price: $138.00

In stock

Bringing together the work of international scholars, this collection of essays addresses the problem of monastic identity and its formation in a region that was geographically wedged between two complex and competing socio-political powers. It investigates how monastic communities negotiated the uncertainties of this situation, whil


During the high Middle Ages, the bishopric of Liege found itself at a cultural crossroads between the German Empire and the French lordships. The Liegeois themselves argued that Gaul considers us its most distant inhabitants, Germany as nearby citizens. In fact we are neither, but both at the same time, and the same idea echoes in the work of present-day historians who have described Liege as an interesting point de rencontre et penetration de deux grandes civilisations. Medieval monastic communities in Liege were key sites of this interpenetration, actively participating in the cultural developments, social networks, and political structures of both regions. Bringing together the work of international scholars, this collection of essays addresses the problem of monastic identity and its formation in a region that was geographically wedged between two complex and competing socio-political powers. It investigates how monastic communities negotiated the uncertainties of this situation, while also capitalizing on the opportunities it presented. As such, this book sheds light on the agency of monastic identity formation in a small but complex region at the crossroads of two power blocks.

  • Edited by Steven Vanderputten
  • Edited by Tjamke Snijders
  • Edited by Jay Diehl