Are you feeling national pride? Nations came together recently at at the G20 Summit; Merkel was a shining example of modern global leadership; America, Belarus, Suriname, France and other countries have major holidays in July; Canada Day came and went with lots of red, white, and beer; and hey, July 19 is apparently Stick Your Tongue Out Day. Now you know-don’t forget!
In honor of the many Independence and Constitution Days around the world in July, we wanted to include something on national identity and ethnic development. Ethnogenesis is a sensitive subject for the humanities. Ever since the topic was adopted by nationalists and “race purists” in the 19th and 20th century, studies on race and ethnic origins use delicate language and careful wording. In our article on Ethnogenesis, Dani Trynoski examines the splintering of the Roman Empire into Gothic tribal regions and discusses the evidence for these groups’ impact on modern European nations.
Staff writer Cait Stevenson provides some insight on joining the navy in the Middle Ages and how the concept of “navy” developed. Guest contributor John Hosler compares those notorious figures James Comey and Thomas Becket in a close look at the famous phrase supposedly uttered by Henry II. If you’re hungry, you’ll love our Talk the Talk feature this issue. In Building the Medieval and Londinium, there’s a load of useful practical information to apply in the future.
If you enjoy this issue, leave us a comment or Tweet @medievalists using #MedievalNation! Looking forward to more summer fun,
Sandra & Dani
National Pride
(the academic kind)
Politics
(only a little)
& Tongue Antics
(sort of)