Portrait of Lord Melvyn Bragg, host of In Our Time

12th-century writers in Latin

Latin translations of the 12th century were spurred by a major search by European scholars for new learning unavailable in western Europe at the time; their search led them to areas of southern Europe, particularly in central Spain and Sicily, which recently had come under Christian rule following their reconquest in the late 11th century. These areas had been under Muslim rule for a considerable time, and still had substantial Arabic-speaking populations to support their search.

3 episodes

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  1. Abelard and Heloise

    Melvyn Bragg discusses the story of Abelard and Heloise, a medieval tale of literature and philosophy, love and scandal in the high Middle Ages.

    5 May 2005

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    Featuring: A. C. Grayling, Henrietta Leyser, Michael Clanchy

     
  2. Gerald of Wales

    Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the medieval scholar Gerald of Wales, the author of colourful and influential works about his journeys around Ireland and Wales.

    4 October 2012

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    Featuring: Henrietta Leyser, Michelle Brown, Huw Pryce

     
  3. Hildegard of Bingen

    Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the medieval mystic, composer and writer Hildegard of Bingen.

    26 June 2014

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    Featuring: Miri Rubin, William Flynn, Almut Suerbaum