Next Steps After Finishing Yale’s Early Middle Ages Course with Professor Freedman

After finishing the Yale course “The Early Middle Ages, 284-1000” with Professor Paul Freedman, the next step typically involves deepening or broadening your historical knowledge. Options range from continuing medieval studies into the later Middle Ages, exploring adjacent historical periods, or diving into specialized topics like technology, crusades, or non-European histories.

One natural progression is to move forward chronologically. The Early Middle Ages end near 1000 AD, so you could pursue courses focusing on the High and Late Middle Ages, roughly 1000–1500 AD. For example, The Great Courses Plus offers in-depth series on Western civilization’s later medieval phases. A recommended title is Foundations of Western Civilisation II: A History of the Modern Western World by Robert Bucholz. This expands the timeline toward more modern developments. Subscriptions are affordable, and free trials are often available through sponsorship codes from YouTube educators like Lindybeige.

Continuing within Yale’s offerings is another option. The same channel features Ancient Greek History with Donald Kagan, an excellent juxtaposition if you want to understand the classical roots before the medieval era. Yale also provides a fascinating series on Imperial Russia, which covers a later period but connects to the broader European narrative.

Podcasts serve as flexible, engaging supplements. The Tides of History podcast offers narrative coverage starting after Rome’s fall, reaching the Enlightenment. This balances major events with everyday experiences in various eras. The British History Podcast effectively traces Britain’s arc from prehistory through Roman and Anglo-Saxon times, a key region in medieval studies.

Deepening thematic knowledge can involve specialized topics. The Crusades, beginning in the late 11th century, showcase medieval religion, warfare, and intercultural contact. A book like “The First Crusade” offers comprehensive coverage, while the History of the Crusades podcast provides accessible episodes.

Expanding geographical horizons enriches context. Dan Carlin’s Wrath of the Khans explores the Mongol Empire’s Eurasian impact, influential in medieval and early modern history. Exploring Ancient India or Islamic history fills critical gaps in many Western curricula. Harvard’s ChinaX courses on YouTube introduce East Asian historical developments.

For those interested in technology and medieval inventions, Jean Gimpel’s The Medieval Machine challenges misconceptions about the Middle Ages as a “Dark Age.” Gimpel details advances that supported or challenged political authorities. This fits well if you want to explore how innovation shapes history. Similarly, Purdue University offers a history of Western technology featuring medieval innovations and renowned inventors like Da Vinci.

When considering learning order, following a chronological path helps build connections. Starting from the Early Middle Ages, move through High Middle Ages, then Late Middle Ages, and onward into early modernity. This provides continuity and deeper understanding of cause-effect relationships over time. Exploring parallel civilizations—Byzantine, Islamic, Mongol—complements this approach.

To recap the key next steps:

• Advance chronologically into High and Late Middle Ages via Great Courses Plus or Yale histories.
• Explore complementary eras like Ancient Greece or Imperial Russia to broaden perspectives.
• Engage with podcasts such as Tides of History or History of the Crusades for multi-faceted learning.
• Delve into thematic studies like technology, crusades, or Mongol/Eurasian history.
• Utilize accessible resources on YouTube like Crash Course and Harvard’s ChinaX for supplementary insight.
• Consider reading specialized books that challenge or refine medieval narratives.

Choosing among these options depends on your interests and preferred formats. Whether you prefer video lectures, books, or audio storytelling, there is abundant material to build on the foundation laid by the Yale Early Middle Ages course.

Just Finished the Yale Course “The Early Middle Ages, 284-1000” with Professor Paul Freedman on YouTube — What Next??

So, you’ve just wrapped up Yale’s fantastic dive into the Early Middle Ages with Professor Paul Freedman — congrats! You’ve traveled through the end of the Roman Empire into the dynamic, transformative first millennium of Europe. But wait, the story doesn’t end here. Naturally, the burning question is, “What next?” Let’s navigate your historical pathway forward with targeted, engaging, and practical next steps to keep that momentum alive.

You’ve taken an incredible first step, covering 284 to 1000 AD—a less conventional but spot-on starting point focusing on Diocletian’s reign. It’s a smart choice to sidestep that “Dark Ages” myth and instead get the rich, complex picture of transformation. Now, how can you build upon this foundation?

Step 1: Continue Along the Medieval Timeline with Targeted Courses

Think of your Yale course as the prologue. The Middle Ages are huge, and the period after 1000 AD — the High and Late Middle Ages — holds dramatic events that shaped modern Europe. Great Courses Plus offers detailed classes covering these periods, making it easy for you to step right into the 11th century and beyond. The platform is budget-friendly too — around $20 a month, with freebies if you snag promo codes from content creators such as lindybeige.

• Try Foundations of Western Civilization II: A History of the Modern Western World by Robert Bucholz. It’s an excellent follow-up for those wanting to see the medieval world transition into early modern Europe.
• Can’t get enough of Yale’s style? Yale also offers a free series on Imperial Russia. It’s a fascinating deep dive into a completely different but equally complex cultural and historical world.

These courses will expand your medieval knowledge while gently opening doors to Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, providing chronological continuity.

Step 2: Dive into Complementary Historical Perspectives and Genres

Paul Freedman’s lectures are top-notch, but the historical universe is vast. Why not sample some other stellar series for variety and enrichment?

• Ancient Greek History with Donald Kagan on YouTube is a must-watch if you appreciate Freedman’s delivery.
• If American history tempts your curiosity, David Blight’s Civil War series is riveting and brilliantly presented.
• Tech nerds, or anyone intrigued by medieval inventions, should seek out Prof. Foley’s course (Purdue University) on the history of Western technology. Yes, it even covers trebuchets — the medieval equivalent of a siege-era cannon.

These choices broaden your grasp of history while feeding curiosity about different epochs and themes.

Step 3: Tackle Invigorating Podcasts for History on the Go

Want to learn without looking? Podcasts fit perfectly into busy lives and can uncover layers of history the lectures skim over.

• Tides of History narrates life after Rome with vivid storytelling. It’s more than just kings and battles; it captures what daily life felt like.
• The British History Podcast covers from prehistory to the Anglo-Saxon period, complementing your Yale course era.
• For continuity on Roman and Byzantine history, the History of Rome and History of Byzantium podcasts traverse 700 BC through the medieval Byzantine era leading up to about 1090 AD.
• If the Mongols intrigue you, Dan Carlin’s Wrath of the Khans is essential listening — exploring Eurasia’s great shifting powers with intense detail and storytelling.

Podcasts can spark ideas about cultural, economic, and geopolitical links that courses might not fully explore.

Step 4: Explore Passion Projects with Books on Medieval Technology, Crises, and Lives

Books still hold the crown for deep dives that let you digest information at your own pace with thoughtful reflection.

• The Medieval Machine by Jean Gimpel is a cult classic that rewrites what you thought about medieval innovation. It emphasizes that the Middle Ages were not stuck in the dark but buzzing with inventive energy. Expect to challenge outdated stereotypes.
• Eric Cline’s 1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed reveals ancient crises that resonate even today — perfect for understanding the fragility and resilience of civilizations.
• For a vivid portrait of medieval lives, check out Terry Jones’ Medieval Lives, giving faces and stories to historical shadows.
• Ian Mortimer’s books are great for imaginative yet scholarly insights into medieval society.
• Craving more on the Crusades? This era kicks off right after 1000 AD — this book delivers comprehensive coverage, and the History of the Crusades podcast is likewise brilliant.

Books and audiobooks help you establish thematic links between technology, culture, and power.

Step 5: If YouLove YouTube — Stay Engaged with Quality Channels

YouTube isn’t just for cat videos and cooking demos. It’s also a fantastic education hub.

• Crash Course, hosted mostly by the green brothers, offers crisp histories on all time periods — including detailed medieval content. Their videos are engaging and digestible.
• Harvard’s ChinaX series is a superb way to learn about the East Asian historical context, enriching your understanding beyond Eurocentric narratives.

These channels keep learning light but rigorous, a perfect match if lecture-style videos suit your style.

Step 6: Reflect on Course Structure and Historical Periodization

Why did Freedman choose 284 AD to start the Early Middle Ages, rather than the classic 476 AD fall of Rome? The decision ties to imperial reforms under Diocletian, marking a clear start of transformation with ripples lasting centuries. This clever angle avoids the “Dark Ages” label, encouraging a more complex, dynamic understanding.

Would your learning benefit from working chronologically?

Starting with this course’s timeframe and moving onward through the Middle Middle Ages, Late Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Early Modern Period can help build a cohesive understanding of developments over time.

Step 7: Final Tips and Encouragement

Online courses can feel overwhelming — finding syllabi, textbooks, or quizzes can be a treasure hunt. The Yale course is a solid springboard, but supplementing it with different formats strengthens learning.

Courses can be cursory, so deepen your study with books, podcasts, and YouTube series. These help you explore topics from fresh angles.

Finally, pace yourself. History isn’t a sprint. It’s more like slowly uncovering a treasure chest that surprises you more with every layer opened.

Summary Table for Your Next Steps

Ready to dive deeper? Remember, history is not just dates and kings; it’s people, inventions, crises, cultures, and stories that echo today. Wherever your curiosity pulls you—from siege engines to Mongol hordes, from Byzantine emperors to crusading knights—there’s rich learning waiting just past your Yale course’s final lecture.

Now, grab your metaphorical traveling tunic and keep walking through time—your next fascinating chapter just awaits your eager steps.