Neo-medievalism

Neo-medievalism (or neomedievalism) is a neologism that was first popularized by the Italian medievalist Umberto Eco in his 1986 essay "Dreaming in the Middle Ages". Prior to this the term was used in Isaiah Berlin's "The Hedgehog and the Fox" to refer to a nostalgic romanticism for the simplicity and order of the medieval period.

In its modern use, it has been used by various writers such as medieval historians who see it as the intersection between popular fantasy and medieval history; as a term describing the post-modern study of medieval history; and as political theory about modern international relations.

Culture

The widespread interest in medieval themes in popular culture, especially computer games such as MMORPGs, films and television, neo-medieval music, and popular literature, has been called neomedieval. Critics have discussed why medieval themes continue to fascinate audiences in a modern, heavily technological world. A possible explanation is the need for a romanticized historical narrative to clarify the confusing panorama of current political and cultural events.