The historiography of slavery in the Middle Ages has evolved significantly, moving from the denial of its existence in the 19th century to recognizing its various forms in contemporary scholarship. Scholars previously downplayed slavery to uphold romanticized notions of feudalism, but mid-20th century Marxist historiography brought attention to its economic roles in medieval society. Works like Charles Verlinden's 1977 study highlighted that slavery was not merely a remnant of the past but rather a significant aspect of the medieval economy, prompting a reevaluation of the nature and extent of servitude during this era.
Recent scholarship has shown that slavery persisted in various forms throughout the medieval period, challenging long-held beliefs about its disappearance after Antiquity.
The dominant narrative shaped by Romantic nationalism and Christian moralism led many scholars to ignore or downplay the realities of slavery in medieval Europe.
With mid-20th century Marxist historiography, the economic role of slavery in medieval societies was critically examined, significantly altering the understanding of servitude's prevalence.
Charles Verlinden's 1977 study was pivotal, refuting previous claims that slavery was only a relic in the medieval era, thereby reshaping the historiographical landscape.
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