Christendom: Early Medievals
From Benedict to Beowulf
Christendom: Early Medievals, The Growth of European Christianity, introduces students to life in the Middle Ages from a Christian perspective. Students will read about the military exploits of the Eastern Roman Empire under the emperor Justinian as chronicled by Procopius, the last great historian of the Roman world. Learn how the development of monasticism preserved learning and culture after the fall of the Roman Empire, contrary to Enlightenment assumptions. Learn about the central role that Irish Christianity played in the spread of the gospel through the lives of St. Patrick, Bede, and others.
Twelve lectures, seven hours
Each lecture opens with a short review, then summary, commentary and connections across history, art and theology. Watch Lecture 1 free.
- 1Historical Overview of ChristendomFree31 min
- 2Benedict's Rule and Monasticism36 min
- 3Transition to the Middle Ages37 min
- 4Procopius and Gregory26 min
- 5Maximus the Confessor29 min
- 6Celtic Christians39 min
- 7Beowulf41 min
- 8Bede I: Early History of England37 min
- 9Lesson 9 Bede II: The Coming of Christianity34 min
- 10Lesson 10 Bede III: The Confirming of Christianity22 min
- 11Lives of Charlemagne and Alfred38 min
- 12John of Damascus46 min
Lecture 1 · Historical Overview of Christendom · 31 min · freePlays here on the page. Every lecture streams and downloads in the Roman Roads app once you own the course.
What your student reads
- BenedictThe Rule
- ProcopiusWars of Justinian
- Gregory of ToursHistory of the Franks
- Gregory the GreatDialogues, Pastoral Rule
- St. PatrickConfession
- AdomnánLife of St. Columba
- AnonymousBeowulf, The Voyage of Brendan
- BedeEcclesiastical History of the English People
- Einhard and AsserLives of Charlemagne and Alfred
- John of DamascusThe Fount of Knowledge
Every assigned text is in the Early Medievals Reader (Vol. 9), as a printed book or the eBook that comes with the course. Students are welcome to use other editions of the great books they already own with this course. The video lectures reference Latin or Greek line numbers, which allows a broader use of editions for those who prefer to bring their own.
Early Medievals
642 pages · 6 × 9 in. · paperback $32 · hardback $45 · eBook included with the course
About this Reader
Questions
Is Early Medievals right for a younger student?
Old Western Culture is intended for mature and discerning students; we recommend it for ages 14 and up. The course deals with mature themes such as paganism, sexual immorality, battle scenes (mostly in the reading) and classical paintings, and is meant to equip your child with a Biblical lens for them. We assume a working knowledge of the Bible and basic Christian doctrine.
How much credit is it?
One unit is half a high-school credit in literature or history; a full year of four units is two credits.
How long does a unit take?
Nine weeks: one lecture a week, with the reading and the questions between. The Honors schedule reads everything; the Essentials schedule reads a shorter selection and still watches every lecture.
Do we need the printed Reader?
No. The Reader eBook is in the app with the course, and the editions already on your shelf work too. We do recommend reading in print, whether that is our Reader, a Roman Roads Classic where one exists, or your own copy; the Reader’s advantage is every assigned text in one volume.
Can a co-op or school use it?
Yes. Students watch at home and discuss in class, or a teacher lectures live. Ask us about group licensing.
Is it a subscription?
No. You buy it once and it is yours for life.
Christendom: Early Medievals
The complete digital course, from $74.75. Add the printed Reader and workbook above.