Conflict and Violence in the Middle Ages – Revisionist Perspectives on Historiography in the Last Decade

Marisia. Archaeologia-Historia-Patrimonium 6, 2024, p. 161–169.

DOI: 10.63509/MrsAHP.2024.6.10

Abstract:

All interpersonal interactions are shaped by emotions that influence individual behavior. Frequently, interactions between different communities lead to conflict situations, often involving varying degrees of violence. This dynamic is evident in the case of the Saxons in Transylvania. Hannah Arendt is among those who link conflict and violence, recognizing its instrumental aspect. In the realm of sociology, other scholars engage in a debate centered around two theories: the civilization theory and the theory of the long-term decline of violence. These theories highlight different aspects of ethnic groups interacting in society. Researchers provide diverse perspectives, often without reaching a common consensus. My intervention aims to identify a point of intersection between classic theories on the topic, historical case studies, and specific realities. The focus is on medieval Transylvania, an area rarely studied from this point of view, but characterized by its unique positioning and pluralistic society, which introduces multiple contradictions with the potential for conflict.