Globalism in the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Age

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While modernists often assert that globalism began around 1800, this volume provides compelling evidence to the contrary through comparative and transdisciplinary studies. It presents innovative perspectives on overlooked literary, philosophical, historical, and medical documents, revealing that texts, images, ideas, knowledge, and objects were already migrating globally in the pre-modern era, albeit at a different quantitative level than in modern times. Global connections were established and sustained over centuries through translations and trade. Archetypal motifs across various literatures demonstrate the shared experiences of pre-modern societies. Additionally, the volume uncovers concrete instances of global economic exchange, the importation of exotic medicines, and vigorous intellectual debates on religious matters. Literary evidence highlights how interactions with foreign cultures were often envisioned, desired, and sometimes feared. The pre-modern world was dynamic, driven by curiosity, economic interests, and political or military motives. Diplomats traversed continents, while artists, poets, and craftsmen engaged in extensive travel. Notably, figures like the Vikings and Arabs emerged as global players long before modern globalism, suggesting a need to reevaluate traditional views on pre-modern worldviews, economic conditions, and global literary exchange, particularly as illustrated by the fable genre.