Medieval History and Literature Anthology II

This anthology presents the spiritual, intellectual, and political transformation of the medieval world through its defining voices and texts. From the collapse of the Roman Empire to the flowering of monastic life, the rise of papal authority, and the dawn of chivalric literature, these works reveal the fusion of classical inheritance and Christian vision that shaped the Middle Ages. Both historical and literary selections—ranging from the decrees of councils and reformers to the poetry of knights and monks—illustrate a civilization balancing faith, power, and imagination.

Readings and Authors

• Edward Gibbon, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire — 1737–1794

• Saint Patrick, Confession and Letter to Coroticus — c. 385–461

• Saint Benedict, Rule — c. 480–547

• Primary Texts of the Carolingian Renaissance — 8th–9th centuries (Charlemagne reigned 768–814)

• Arthurian Legend — Anonymous Medieval Authors (c. 1130–1500)

• Primary Texts on Papal Doctrine — Various Popes and Theologians (c. 5th–14th centuries*)

• The Great Schism Documents — c. 1378–1417

• The Crusades – Primary Texts — c. 1095–1291

• Popes in Avignon Documents — c. 1309–1377

• John Wycliffe, Primary Texts — c. 1328–1384

• Jan Hus, Primary Texts — c. 1369–1415

• Isidore of Seville, Etymologiae — c. 560–636

• Anonymous, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight — c. 14th century

• Anonymous, The Song of Roland — c. 1100

• Anonymous, Romance of Tristan — c. 12th century

• Peter Abelard, Historia Calamitatum — c. 1079–1142

• Bernard of Clairvaux, Letters and On Humility and Pride — c. 1090–1153