Between the fourth and the eleventh centuries, a new civilization arose in Western Europe. This course examines the gradual syncretism of Classical Roman, Christian, and Germanic tribal cultures in the formation of a new, distinctively medieval society. This new formation ultimately was heir to the Roman Empire for political and cultural hegemony in the West, creating a new power center beyond the Mediterranean basin. The course includes short case studies of several early medieval societies (Anglo-Saxon, Frankish, German, Icelandic), noting variations in social structure, politics, kinship, and attitudes towards violence. In addition we will focus on the rich diversity of medieval symbolic systems in regard to supernatural powers. During this time period the Christian Church expanded far beyond its Mediterranean origins, confronting — and attempting to replace — the indigenous, Pagan religious systems of European populations. Thus we will discuss conceptions of the Christian God, the Pagan Gods, demons, saints, elves, and spirits of the dead, and explore how these various systems of belief interacted with one another.