History Course: The Germanen at the Crossroads of Antiquity

The Germanen at the Crossroads of Antiquity

History Course presented by Mike Haas

Begins October 3, 2024

Thursday nights, 7:30-9:00 PM

Western European civilization arose from its encounter with the cultures of Rome, Athens & Jerusalem. It was at these crossroads of antiquity that the ancient Germanen would appear on the world stage as warlike barbarians—to the Romans and Greeks—and soulless pagans—to Jews and Christians. It was at the confluence of these cultures, however, that the identity of Western Europe would gradually take shape. 

Indeed, as these ancient cultures clashed, overlapped and intersected, the center of geo-political power in antiquity shifted from the Hellenic East to Rome. It was from the monotheism of Jerusalem that Christianity was derived, and once Rome adopted the fledgling faith, so would the Germanic successor kingdoms in the western half of the former Roman Empire during the 6^th, 7^th & 8^th centuries.

It would be these same ancient Germanen, however, who would not only assimilate Roman culture and Christian religiosity but in time leave their own cultural imprint on what became known as the Holy Roman Empire. A powerful Western European geo-political entity during the Early Middle Ages, it was founded by Karl der Grosse (Charlemagne), a West Germanic/Frankish tribal king into whose hands was laid the defense of Western Christendom by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day in Rome in the year 800. For his vision and endeavors in putting Western Europe on a path leading out of the Dark Ages, Karl would be heralded as the Father of Europe.

Join us, then, for an exploration of Germanic Antiquity and its Kultur to find out what recorded history tells us of these martially vigorous Germanen, who carried mighty and swift swords but few of whom could read or write.

This course will provide participants an excellent opportunity to broaden their general knowledge and basic understanding of early German history. No textbooks, no homework, no papers, no tests or German language skills required. Just a sincere interest to come/learn and come/share in a relaxed, laid-back setting in the DANK Haus itself or on Zoom within the cozy confines of your own abode.

Mike Haas

Course Presenter