The Great Tours: Experiencing Medieval Europe

The Great Tours: Experiencing Medieval Europe is an enlightening and in-depth video series from The Great Courses that was introduced in 2013. This ambitious programme takes viewers on a remarkable journey through the medieval landscapes of Europe, painstakingly recreating the time and place to provide an immersive educational experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting to allow viewers to experience the Middle Ages in a more intimate and authentic manner. Brilliantly helmed by Professor Kenneth R. Bartlett of the University of Toronto, one of the world's foremost authorities on the Renaissance, the series presents a detailed exploration of the medieval world like never before.

Crucially, Experiencing Medieval Europe doesn't simply relegate the Middle Ages to an era of dimly lit castles and narrow societal views. Instead, it shines a light on the richness of the period, untangling its social complexities, highlighting its cultural charm, and detailing its architectural marvels. This comprehensive unveiling allows viewers to appreciate the Middle Ages as a multi-faceted era with a strong influence on modern European identity.

With a total running time of over 12 hours, the show contains 24 meticulously curated episodes which are both informative and captivating. The breadth and depth of each episode vary, covering a mix of topics such as religion, arts, politics, and socio-cultural habits of medieval subjects. Each lecture is shot on location in Europe, combining artefacts, architectural wonders, and remarkable stories to give the audience a panoramic view of medieval life.

Bartlett's presentation style is approachable and engaging, turning seldomly approachable historic facts and figures into interactive lectures. From the awe-inspiring Gothic cathedrals to the grand medieval castles, from luminous manuscripts detailed with gold leaf to the crowded, pungent markets — all are explored meticulously while bringing the past to life vividly. Listeners will feel as though they are walking through the cobbled streets of medieval Europe, immersed in the clamour and colour that the period represented.

The tour commences with ‘Introducing the Middle Ages,’ which sets the stage for the journey. Following this, the journey unfolds along different dimensions of society, displaying its texture. You'll enter the sacred spaces of cathedrals and learn how they were constructed by societies plagued with illiteracy and limited technology. You'll be guided through the remarkable intellectual and artistic treasure-trove of medieval libraries, each holding a vast collection of handwritten manuscripts.

In other sessions, Professor Bartlett will take you to considerable pilgrim sites such as Santiago de Compostela and Canterbury, as well as to the bustling markets of the Middle Ages – a hive of human activity and social interaction. You will virtually tread the streets of Venice, explore the political and social structure of medieval communes, and take in the grandeur of palaces and great halls.

Each of these experiences is graced with The Great Courses' signature quality of craftsmanship. The cinematography plays an integral role in the series, with sweeping views of brilliant landscapes and monuments, close-ups of beautiful artefacts, and presentations that make the viewer feel as if they are right alongside Professor Bartlett on these trails. The production values lend an engaging aesthetic charm to the series, making it much more than a typical educational documentary.

In no way does this series distance itself from the harsh realities of medieval times, however. It confronts the themes of war, plague, and societal constraints head-on. With access to the latest research, Professor Bartlett dispels numerous misconceptions about the medieval period and hence presents a balanced, holistic outlook.

The Great Tours: Experiencing Medieval Europe upends the idea that the Middle Ages was ‘the Dark Ages,’ shrouded in ignorance and backwardness. Instead, it frames the era as a fascinating period of societal development marked by profound shifts in many aspects. It's an expansive, well-researched deep dive into an often misunderstood period of history.

So, whether you're a history enthusiast eager to deepen your knowledge, a traveller yearning to experience Europe from a historical perspective, or simply a curious mind, The Great Tours: Experiencing Medieval Europe is tailor-made for you. Prepare yourself for a captivating tour through time that embarks upon the cobblestone streets of medieval Europe, charting a course through history that promises to be as enlightening as it is entertaining.