Doctor of Philosphy in History- Middle Ages (Including Late Antiquity) in Providence United States | Brown University

Scholars have often turned to the Middle Ages as a framework for examining concepts of otherness. Spanning approximately 300 to 1500 CE, this era witnessed the fall of Roman imperial systems and the rise of innovative cultural, economic, political, and social structures. A defining feature was the intertwined growth of Christianity and Islam, which created a multifaceted Mediterranean world. During this time, early European colonial practices took shape, setting precedents for future global developments as shifting trade networks redefined links between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Faculty research covers these topics across Continental Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and other regions, with emphasis on cross-cultural interactions, spatial perceptions, power dynamics, captivity, conflict, and the broader Mediterranean context. Students are urged to investigate the period using varied methods, from cultural and religious history to archaeology and visual studies. Interdisciplinary collaboration thrives through initiatives like the Program in Medieval Studies, the Medieval and Early Modern History Seminar (MEMHS), and graduate-led working groups. At Brown, medieval history highlights how this period engages with other historical epochs and global regions.