Persistenz und Rezeption (ZAKMIRA - Schriften des Lehr- und Forschungszentrums für die antiken Kulturen des Mittelmeerraumes - Centre for Mediterranean Cultures)

In many spheres of the practical and intellectual life the Middle Ages build on the knowledge, structures and achievements of the antique age. They also integrate them in various ways in their own cultural order. Even in medieval towns the ancient street patterns, fortifications and prominent buildings determined the local structure, which was absorbed and adapted to new requirements. This happened by abandoning certain areas, by converting buildings or by putting up new structures on top of them. Learning, science and arts of the antique age were appreciated by royal courts and monasteries. Many works of antique literature were copied, commented on or rearranged. Antique precious objects were kept in treasuries. They were given away as gifts; and were often even fashioned into new objects. These however are only a few examples for the intense occupation with antique culture during the Middle Ages.
In recent decades archaeological research has intensively explored the late antique age. The interest concentrated on the transformation of the antique repertoire in a changed political and religious environment. It also covered continuing existence and activity of daily life structures as well as styles. In the 20th century German medievalist research in fields of history and art for a long time paid particular attention to reception of antiquity in the context of Carolingian and Ottonian Renovatio Imperii, i.e. ruler's strategy of legitimation as well as to the renaissance of science in the 12th century. Recent publications identify the continuation and modifications of antique administration procedures, terms of guidance, legal codes and text-books. They also reflect upon medieval ideas and fictions about the antique age.
The present volume takes up these new initiatives. It is based on a colloquium held by two research centres of the Philosophical Faculty of Cologne University. i.e. the "Centre for Mediterranean Cultures (Zakmira)" and the "Centre for Medieva