Glossary

Glossary entries address a broad range of issues, but often discuss how a specific medieval image, concept, event, narrative, or term has been misappropriated or is more broadly misunderstood in popular discourse. They are targeted, ‘at a glance’ resources for commonly misappropriated themes. They make alternative suggestions for the use of misappropriated phrases, terms, and concepts.

Ultimately, we hope that our Glossary becomes the go-to resource for journalists, teachers, and social workers who are looking for explanations and definitions of medieval terms, metaphors, and narratives. Whenever a medieval symbol or term is misused, people can use the glossary to quickly access an accurate description of the topic and links to further information. For example, on March 15, 2019, a shooter brutally murdered 50 people and injured 40 more while they were at Friday Prayer in two mosques in Christchurch, NZ. Among the many historical references carved on his assault rifles was the phrase “1189 Acre.” In an Op-Ed about the roots of the Christchurch massacre, published by the New York Times, “1189 Acre” was described as a “a victory for the Christian Crusaders seeking to retake Jerusalem from Muslims.”  As much as we welcomed this Op-ed, the Medievalist Toolkit raises awareness for the further polarising effects of words such as “victory,” “Christian,” and “Crusaders” in the context of a massacre of Muslims in the 21st century. These words can invoke a connection between the medieval Crusades and the roots of the Christchurch Massacre.

SCROLL to read our Glossary Entries