The things to come? Prophecy in the Middle Ages

Grand rulers, decisive battles, one or more antichrists, and, inevitably, the end of the world - prophetic texts from the Middle Ages abound with significant allusions. These references are intricately interconnected and shrouded in enigmatic language. This course delves into the phenomenon of prophecy as depicted in medieval sources. Bridging eschatology and chronological perspectives, we will investigate the value of these texts and strive to gain a deeper understanding of the intellectual history of the Middle Ages. Moreover, we will meticulously examine the distribution of these numerous texts within manuscripts, scrutinizing the intended audience and specific effects of the texts. This subject area will serve as an exemplary object of study, enabling us to apply and refine the tools of historical scholarship.