Waiting for the End of the World?: New Perspectives on Natural Disasters in Medieval Europe

Waiting for the End of the World? examines the archaeological, architectural, historical, and geological evidence for natural disasters in the Middle Ages between the 11th and 16th centuries. It adopts a fresh interdisciplinary approach to explore how environmental hazards affected European populations and how medieval communities coped and responded. The book spans Europe, from the British Isles to Italy and from the Canary Islands to Cyprus, and is of interest to earth scientists, geographers, historians, sociologists, anthropologists, and climatologists. The evidence suggests that medieval communities frequently adopted a modern, well-informed and practical outlook.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 466 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Are you eagerly anticipating the end of the world? This captivating book delves into the rich tapestry of archaeological, architectural, historical, and geological evidence that sheds light on natural disasters that occurred in the Middle Ages between the 11th and 16th centuries. By adopting a fresh and interdisciplinary approach, it explores the profound impact of environmental hazards on European populations and the remarkable ways in which medieval communities adapted and responded to these challenges.

The book is organized into three compelling sections: Part I delves into geotectonic hazards, Part II explores severe storms and hydrological hazards, and Part III examines biophysical hazards. Within these sections, 18 insightful papers present the latest research on the various environmental threats that plagued Europe during this period. Additionally, a comprehensive catalogue of the 20 most significant disasters to have struck Europe during this time is provided, encompassing earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, storms, floods, and outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Spanning across Europe, from the British Isles to Italy, from the Canary Islands to Cyprus, this book offers valuable insights to earth scientists, geographers, historians, sociologists, anthropologists, and climatologists. It is also of immense interest to students and non-specialist readers who have a passion for medieval archaeology and history, as well as those studying human geography and disaster studies.

Despite holding different beliefs about the natural world and their approaches to environmental protection, the evidence presented in this book reveals that medieval communities exhibited a remarkably modern, well-informed, and practical mindset. They developed innovative strategies and technologies to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and ensure the survival of their communities.

Through their resilience and adaptability, medieval societies left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire us today. Waiting for the End of the World? is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the intricate relationship between environmental hazards, human societies, and historical development.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367509484