2014BIELMANNCPhD.pdf (25.2 MB)
A Christianisation of Switzerland? Urban and Rural Transformations in a Time of Transition - AD 300-800
thesis
posted on 2014-07-10, 12:53 authored by Chantal BielmannThis thesis explores archaeological and historical data pertaining to the Christianisation of
Switzerland between AD 300 and 800. Analysing published data from both urban and rural
contexts, I explore three research questions: 1 – how did churches and associated
buildings affect urban and rural spaces in Switzerland?; 2 – who were the ‘movers’ of the
religion?; and 3 – how far did local topography and regional identities forge a Christian
landscape? During the period examined, the region experienced a number of geopolitical
changes: the end of Roman administration, the rise and fall of the Burgundian kingdom,
and the gradual takeover by the Merovingian and later Carolingian Franks. Throughout
these phases, the Church was a common institution and transformed urban, rural, and
burial landscapes through the construction of cathedrals, funerary churches, chapels, and
monasteries. Utilising an interdisciplinary approach, this thesis brings to light that
Switzerland experienced multiple ‘Christianisations’ and that topographic factors and
regional identities were intrinsic to the development of the Church.
History
Supervisor(s)
Christie, Neil; Scott, SarahDate of award
2014-06-09Author affiliation
School of Archaeology and Ancient HistoryAwarding institution
University of LeicesterQualification level
- Doctoral
Qualification name
- PhD