How medieval Germans viewed trees as symbols of faith, economy, and environmental politics.

Earth Day Lecture at The Met Cloisters—Taming Medieval Nature | MetSpeaks · 55:36 · Video: The Met · Watch at the source

In short: In this Earth Day lecture from The Met Cloisters, scholar Greg Bryda and curator Shirin Fozi examine the multifaceted role of trees in late medieval Germany. Discover how these natural giants functioned as both essential material resources and powerful religious icons.

The discussion explores the intersection of nature and culture in the Late Middle Ages. Trees were far more than timber for artistic creation; they served as potent symbols within Christian iconography and played a critical role in the religious devotional practices of the era.

Beyond their spiritual significance, the lecture addresses the practical and political dimensions of forestry, touching upon the economy and environmental politics of the period. By analyzing these historical perspectives, the speakers highlight how medieval society conceptualized and managed their natural surroundings.

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