”It wasn't just rich and powerful men who built the modern world. Women have always been a part of it, as has the full range of human diversity., but we are only now beginning to see what has been hidden in plain sight.”
Just as the victors write the history books, researchers can influence how we think about the past through what they choose to focus on or to leave out. It seems that one can learn a great deal about Medieval women from the records if you are willing to pay attention. In addition, archaeology is providing new views of life in the Middle Ages.
Of course there are more records available for women in the role of ruler or nobles. Ramirez introduces us to women like AEthelflaed, daughter of King Alfred the Great. She seems to have absorbed statecraft from her parents and was a force in the Anglo-Saxon world. Another prominent ruler was Jadwiga, crowned King of Poland, who led a fascinating life. Hild of Whitby chose the route of religion and became a highly respected advisor to male rulers from her convent. Hildagard von Bingen of Germany pursued this same path and produced prodigious amounts of music and other writings which have survived the centuries.
Archaeologists have revealed the complexities of gender roles among the Vikings of the time. A number of warrior burials have been DNA tested, proving the warriors to be women. There is a wonderful chapter on this research. The Loftus Princess from Northern England had an elaborate burial topped with a substantial mound, which placed her at the very centre of the surrounding graves. Her grave goods tell a tale of the conversion of England to Christianity.
Last but not least, the book of Margery Kempe was dictated by that woman and describes her life as she strove for status and wealth. Her father was the mayor of Kings Lynn, so she grew up in relative security, but it appears that her ambition was to be recognized for her own accomplishments.
The more I read about Medieval history, the less foreign the people of that time seem to me. They are complex and perplexing, just as contemporary folks are. I look forward to the ideas that future research will inspire.
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