Middle Ages Network

Chairs:

In this network, we welcome sessions that specifically address this period, but it is of course possible to cross the precise chronological boundaries. Likewise, it is possible to submit a session that would fit within another network, and thus overlap with the theme of another network (such as migration, economic history, labour, and so on).  

It goes without saying that we prefer papers that study the social background of a given theme, and thus wish to answer the following questions: who is responsible for a studied evolution? Why is a study of the social aspect important to explain the history of a particular phenomenon? How has the social background of a person or movement influenced medieval history? And so on. We also welcome papers highlighting the impact of social theory (sociology, political science, anthropology...) on the study of the Middle Ages. 

 The network Middle Ages focus on many aspects of historical enquiry between the fall of Rome and the Renaissance. It gives priority to papers studying the social history of the Middle Ages, and the use of social theory in medieval studies. We believe that the use of comparisons between periods and regions can strengthen our discipline. Finally, we want to be a forum where new sources and methods for the many branches of rural history can be tested and discussed.


The particular focus of our network is comparative: first, it brings together medievalists working on the crossroads of social, economic, political and cultural history; second, it looks at different areas across Europe and the wider Mediterranean world, and the relations with the plurality of Medieval worlds as well. 

Nevertheless, we will be happy to discuss any ideas you wish to put forward. We are particularly interested in proposals for inter-disciplinary and comparative panels. The earlier you contact us, the more advice we will be able to offer. There is also scope for proposing an individual paper, of roughly 20 minutes, if you do not wish to organize a whole panel. If your proposal is accepted, we may put you in touch with the organizer of a relevant session, to see if your paper could be accommodated there, or we may seek to put together a composite panel of individual submissions. Again, the sooner you contact us to discuss your ideas or submit your proposal, the better. The conference language is English. Important note: Proposals for panel sessions or individual papers need to be submitted via the ESSHC website using their online pre-registration form by April 16, 2026 in order to be considered, even if you have been discussing the idea with us. Panel organizers need to ensure that all participants in their panels have sent in their abstracts and pre-registered by the deadline, with an indication of the name of the session to which their paper belongs. Please, do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss proposing a paper or a panel.
Chairs of the Network Middle Ages
Jelle Haemers
University of Leuven, Belgium
jelle.haemers@kuleuven.be
Jesús Ángel Solorzano-Telechea
University of Cantabria, Spain
solorzaja@unican.es