Literature Based Movies for Medieval History or Lit Class: Life in the Middle Ages: 1100-1500

Historians and scholars differ somewhat on what time period specifically constitutes the 'middle ages' or medieval times. There isn't even a consistent spelling for 'medieval' which means 'middle'. Medieval history generally refers to European history, but is often extended to include Asia, particularly in reference to Marco Polo's visit and controversial writings on the Far East and the fabled empire of Kublai Khan. So if even professional don't concur, amateur historians may struggle to communicate this fascinating, complicated and somewhat confusing time period.

Literature will always be a key component for any history class, particularly the literature of the day. Happily there are also some literature based films to help students conceptualize the middle ages. Unfortunately there are not as many really compelling medieval are book based films as I could wish. I've listed some of the better movies, grouped under the major issues or themes of the middle ages.

Cadfael The very best book and movie connection to show a good cross-section of life in medieval England is the late Dame Edith Pargenter (writing as Ellis Peters) novels. These chronicle the Benedictine monk, herbalist and sleuth Brother Cadfael. Peters is a great historian as well as a resident of Shrewsbury where she has researched the 900 year old Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul. Her characters have basis in real people. The movies made for television are an hour in length and well cast, with Sir Derek Jacobi as Cadfael. Your students will be highly engaged. The Cadfael series explores the Crusades, herbalism, social issues, the political climate, religious life and economic structure of the early middle ages (1139- 1160).