Medieval History, Heroes, and Legends with Prof. Dorsey Armstrong

The enduring legacy of the Middle Ages includes extraordinary advances in philosophy, science, literature, and more, and this period also produced some of the Western cultures most beloved and influential legends—ones that continue to resonate with modern audiences. Join Great Courses Professor Dorsey Armstrong, on December 16 at 1 PM ET to discover the thinkers, stories, and champions who profoundly influenced the medieval and subsequent eras.

See Professor Armstrong's Courses Here!

3rd & 7 37yd

Good afternoon, and thank you all for joining us today as we discuss Medieval History, Heroes, and Legends with our esteemed guest, Professor Dorsey Armstrong from Purdue University. At this time, our chat is now open and you may begin sending your questions to Professor Armstrong by clicking on the Submit a Question button.

by Dave Sanders 12/16/2015 5:59:49 PM

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Welcome, everyone! I’m excited to answer your questions! (Although I’m afraid I DON’T know the actual location of the Holy Grail, alas.)

by Dorsey Armstrong 12/16/2015 6:00:04 PM

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Looking forward to this

by Chasrep@aol.com 12/16/2015 6:00:21 PM

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How was knowledge disseminated before the printing press? Or was it?

by Peter B. Reiter 12/16/2015 6:00:34 PM

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Important texts were copied by hand--usually by monks in monasteries--and then the manuscripts would be circulated among learned or religious communities, and often read aloud. Literacy was less than 10%, so most information was disseminated orally.

by Dorsey Armstrong 12/16/2015 6:01:48 PM

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Professor Armstrong and her husband at Stonehenge.
Professor Armstrong at Stonehenge.
Professor Armstrong at Tintagel Castle.
Professor Armstrong at Tintagel Castle.

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by Dave Sanders 12/16/2015 6:02:54 PM

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Thank you for making the "dark" ages a lot more light than it seemed when I studied it in school. Why do you think this incredibly lengthy and varied period has such a dim reputation?

by Marc 12/16/2015 6:04:00 PM

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I greatly enjoyed the writing course also.

by David Calton 12/16/2015 6:05:41 PM

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What are your thoughts about Ardrey's notion that Arthur was a pagan from the north who subsequent church writers "converted" to a Christian from the south?

by Dan 12/16/2015 6:06:57 PM

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by Dave Sanders 12/16/2015 6:07:39 PM

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Why is the chat not running, doesn't run in California?

by What happened to the chat? ... 12/16/2015 6:07:40 PM

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I love your Great Courses lectures! My mom and I watch them all the time!!!

by Isabel 12/16/2015 6:07:50 PM

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Has the discovery of Richard the III's burial site and the analysis of his remains brought any new revelations of the man and his deeds?

by Norm 12/16/2015 6:09:53 PM

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Learn about the "Great Minds of the Medieval World" today!
Learn about "the dark ages" in "Medieval World"
King Arthur and his knights are ingraned in our modern culture. Learn more with "King Arthur: History and Legend"

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by TheGreatCourses edited by Dave Sanders 12/16/2015 6:13:05 PM

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What... is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?

by Tim the Enchanter 12/16/2015 6:13:10 PM

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Did Arthur exist? Was he Roman?

by casanidrew@gmail.com 12/16/2015 6:14:58 PM

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Modern Arthurian Legend | King Arthur: History and Legend | The Great Courses

by Dave Sanders via YouTube 12/16/2015 6:15:19 PM

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I'm a 7th grader doing a school project on medieval cathedrals; what do you think is the most important thing to include?

by Isabel 12/16/2015 6:18:04 PM

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What advice would you give to a new writer? I've spent over 30 years in the Information Technology field and now I would like to pursue writing. I have found that writing everyday for about 15-30 minutes (500 words) works best for me as opposed to
thinking about something specific or making an outline.

by Mark B. 12/16/2015 6:20:30 PM

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I listened to multiple of your courses and enjoyed them all. Before the Teaching Company my only historical knowledge was Judaic, glad you also covered those topics.

by David Calton 12/16/2015 6:21:16 PM

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We are receiving an abundance of questions for Professor Armstrong, please wait patiently as she answers them. Thanks for joining today.

by Dave Sanders 12/16/2015 6:21:42 PM

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Professor Armstrong at the site of Arthur and Guenevere's tomb at Glastonbury Abbey
Professor Armstrong with best friend and her husband at the top of Glastonbury Tor

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by TheGreatCourses edited by Dave Sanders 12/16/2015 6:22:47 PM

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Are you familiar with Rodney Stark's writings on the Middle Ages? The Dark Ages were not dark (a big Armstrong theme! :) Capitalism started way before 1800. When do you believe "capitalism" started and where?

by Doug 12/16/2015 6:24:26 PM

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Which is your favorite Arthurian film?

by Roger Donway 12/16/2015 6:28:08 PM

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Professor Armstrong's courses are on sale now. Visit her Professor Page to learn more.

by TheGreatCourses edited by Dave Sanders 12/16/2015 6:29:00 PM

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Love your courses too! I am an early middle ages junky and can't get enough. I recognize that era sported wood, not stone building that did not last, and I recognize that there wasn't much literacy to inform us, but I would love to know what daily life was like. What did they eat and drink? What did their clothes look like? How often did they take a bath? What was their general health like? If they got a toothache, what did they do?

by Rocco Ronzoni 12/16/2015 6:29:46 PM

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How did you decide on the Middle Ages as your field of study? Were you always interested in that time period? Was there a particular event or book that inspired you?

by Leslie 12/16/2015 6:31:20 PM

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Without methods of telling time, how were arrangements made for meeting, assembling groups of people, &c.

by Larry 12/16/2015 6:33:50 PM

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by Dave Sanders 12/16/2015 6:34:23 PM

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People need heroes and legends. People are resilient, but civilizations are fragile. How can we turn the need for heroes and legends to the service of strengthening civilization?

by Robert M. 12/16/2015 6:36:15 PM

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If you are having trouble seeing Professor Armstrong's responses, please try refreshing your browsers. Thank you.

by Dave Sanders 12/16/2015 6:37:47 PM

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Arthurian scholar, Professor Dorsey Armstrong, runs Academic Content Supervisor, Jessica Darago, through with her broadsword. Lesson learned: don't mess with Medieval (literature) professors.
The Great Courses is not responsible for cuts or stabs while enjoying Professor Armstrong's lectures. Watch at your own risk.
Professor Armstrong on set.

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by TheGreatCourses edited by Dave Sanders 12/16/2015 6:38:17 PM

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It is said that the Renaissance reflected a revival of Classical learning and values. What precipitated that revival in the High Middle Ages?

by Charles Ade 12/16/2015 6:39:57 PM

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Professor Armstrong's courses are on sale now. Visit her Professor Page to learn more.

by TheGreatCourses edited by Dave Sanders 12/16/2015 6:41:32 PM

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Knight Class | Great Minds of the Medieval World | The Great Courses

by Dave Sanders via YouTube 12/16/2015 6:42:36 PM

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Which modern novels about the Medieval Period have you enjoyed, Arthurian and other?

by Roger Donway 12/16/2015 6:44:32 PM

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Join Professor Armstrong on a tour through Medieval History! Learn more about Scholarly Sojourns here.

by TheGreatCourses 12/16/2015 6:45:55 PM

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by Dave Sanders 12/16/2015 6:47:23 PM

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given the fact that most people were illiterate; does this not favor those of us who live past the period in the sense, that the great works of art depicting so many biblical stories might not have been created if they were not necessary to service a people who could not read.
I also say.........good comes from bad

by Marianne D'Angelo 12/16/2015 6:48:04 PM

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Learn how to develop your literary voice with Professor Armstrong in "Analysis and Critique: How to Engage and Write about Anything"
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Who were the "Great Minds of the Medieval World," and what made them so great? Learn more here.
Learn how to develop your literary voice with Professor Armstrong in "Analysis and Critique: How to Engage and Write about Anything"

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by TheGreatCourses edited by Dave Sanders 12/16/2015 6:48:21 PM

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What can you tell me about the Knights Templar?

by Dustin 12/16/2015 6:50:13 PM

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What new courses are you working on for The Teaching Company?

by John Holcomb 12/16/2015 6:51:12 PM

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C'est Moi | King Arthur: History and Legend | The Great Courses

by Dave Sanders via YouTube 12/16/2015 6:52:25 PM

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In your lecture on Arthur in Hollywood, you mentioned a new film being made that just might have some semblance of historical accuracy. Any updates about the film?

by George Orban 12/16/2015 6:54:21 PM

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Professor Armstrong has graciously agreed to extend the Professor Chat for another one half hour!

by Dave Sanders 12/16/2015 6:54:32 PM

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