Papers by Keith Kempenich
There has long been a debate among medieval scholars over the precise definition of knighthood an... more There has long been a debate among medieval scholars over the precise definition of knighthood and how the Latin term "miles," often translated as “knight,” relates to the knight’s identity in the Middle Ages prior to the reign of King Henry II of England (1154-1189). This project offers a systematic analysis of the term miles in the twelfth-century text, the "Historia Ecclesiastica," by Orderic Vitalis. I examine the ways in which the historian refers to "milites," including their varying socio-economic backgrounds, their involvement in the military households of socially prominent men, and their military equipment, among other issues. This paper argues that Orderic’s usage of the term "miles" indicates that he believed the "milites" were professional soldiers and that “knight” is an inappropriate translation of the term "miles."
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A short term paper for an art history course at the University of New Hampshire, fall 2015. This ... more A short term paper for an art history course at the University of New Hampshire, fall 2015. This paper briefly examines the armors in Paolo Uccello's "Battle of San Romano" paintings and argues that the painter did not have a working familiarity with armor and that his depictions are less accurate than has often been argued.
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There has long been a debate among medieval scholars over the precise definition of knighthood an... more There has long been a debate among medieval scholars over the precise definition of knighthood and how the Latin term 'miles,' often translated as “knight,” relates to the knight’s identity in the Middle Ages prior to the reign of King Henry II of England (1154-1189). This project offers a systematic analysis of the term 'miles' in the twelfth-century text, the 'Historia Ecclesiastica,' by Orderic Vitalis. I examine the ways in which the historian refers to 'milites,' including their varying socio-economic backgrounds, their involvement in the military households of socially prominent men, and their military equipment, among other issues. This paper argues that Orderic’s usage of the term 'miles' indicates that he believed the 'milites' were professional soldiers and that “knight” is an inappropriate translation of the term 'miles.'
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This term paper explores the construction of crusader castles built in the Holy Land during the f... more This term paper explores the construction of crusader castles built in the Holy Land during the first four Crusades. It briefly examines how these castles were both similar to and different from their European counterparts, and how their design and construction was influenced by local geography and culture.
This document and its contents are the sole property of the author and may not be reprinted or copied without permission. (Just ask.)
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This short term paper explores the views of bishop Thietmar of Merseburg with regards to the sexu... more This short term paper explores the views of bishop Thietmar of Merseburg with regards to the sexual and marital misconduct of his lay and ecclesiastic contemporaries.
This document and its contents are the sole property of the author and may not be reprinted or copied without permission. (Just ask.) It is offered here as a writing sample and for casual interest and does not claim to be original in its findings. Any similarity to current publications is purely coincidental.
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Papers by Keith Kempenich
This document and its contents are the sole property of the author and may not be reprinted or copied without permission. (Just ask.)
This document and its contents are the sole property of the author and may not be reprinted or copied without permission. (Just ask.) It is offered here as a writing sample and for casual interest and does not claim to be original in its findings. Any similarity to current publications is purely coincidental.
This document and its contents are the sole property of the author and may not be reprinted or copied without permission. (Just ask.)
This document and its contents are the sole property of the author and may not be reprinted or copied without permission. (Just ask.) It is offered here as a writing sample and for casual interest and does not claim to be original in its findings. Any similarity to current publications is purely coincidental.