The Dark Arts in the Dark Ages

Time: 5:30PM

Location: Wagner Free Institute of Science

The pages of medieval history teem with sorcerers, soothsayers, and necromancers who used their knowledge to foretell the future, uncover lost treasure, and create animated statues. Historian Elly R. Truitt will discuss legendary figures from medieval history, including Gerbert of Aurillac, Gerard of York, and Albertus Magnus, in order to examine the scientific theories foundational to divination, as well as natural and demonic magic. Discover the scientific sophistication of the so-called "Dark Ages."

Admission is free, $10 suggested donation

Dr. Elly Truitt is Assistant Professor of Medieval History at Bryn Mawr College. She teaches courses on medieval history and medieval science and medicine. Her research is published in numerous scholarly journals and she is currently finishing a book on medieval automata. She received her PhD in the History of Science from Harvard University, and her MPhil in Medieval History from the University of Cambridge.