Cornel Zwierlein explores the presence of conspiracy theories in medieval Europe, asserting that while conspiracies existed, they lacked the structured narratives typical of modern conspiracy theories. He emphasizes that these were primarily real-time power struggles rather than long-term plots with hidden agendas. Notably, anti-Jewish violence during societal crises reflects a form of conspiracy-like thinking, although it didn't fit the refined narrative framework that characterizes today's conspiracy theories. Therefore, medieval Europe laid some groundwork for this thinking but didn't fully embrace it in an articulated manner.
Zwierlein argues that while conspiracies existed as real-time power struggles, fully developed conspiracy theories with structured narratives were rare in medieval Europe.
In the Middle Ages, historical events were often interpreted as mere political machinations rather than as part of an overarching hidden agenda, which is key to modern conspiracy theories.
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