Romerriget, Vesteuropa og Skandinavien. Kulturkontakter og den danske historiebevidsthed i 1100-tallet

A key insight from this study is the significant influence of Western European cultural contacts, particularly with England and Northern Germany, on 12th-century Danish historiography. These interactions shaped Danish historical consciousness by blending local cognitive horizons with foreign ideas, effectively merging Anglo-Saxon, German, and later French influences. The research employs a diachronic analysis of five Danish works, combining philological examination with historical reconstruction to trace shifts in learned networks and socio-political conditions. Notably, the study highlights how authors like Ælnoth and Bishop Eskil employed exegetical hermeneutics—drawing parallels between Danish kings and biblical figures—to serve political agendas, such as legitimizing local power or challenging contemporary rulers. The Chronicon Roskildense and Chronicon Lethrense exemplify this trend, reflecting growing German influence while asserting Danish independence. Svend Aggesen’s work further illustrates the shift toward French educational networks post-1150, marking a pivotal evolution in Danish historiographical thought.

Scheel, R. (2013). Romerriget, Vesteuropa og Skandinavien. Kulturkontakter og den danske historiebevidsthed i 1100-tallet. Historisk Tidsskrift, 1–61. https://doi.org/10.7146/ht.v112i1.56549