Les usages de la géographie à la cour des Plantagenêts dans la seconde moitié du XIIè siècle

Abstract

The Uses of Geography at the Plantagenet Court in the Second Half of the Twelfth Century. - The literary and historical works of the Plantagenet Court during the second half of the Twelfth century were largely influenced by geographical lore. There are three reasons for this. The cultural renaissance of the Twelfth century brought about the imitation of antiquity, notably through the use of geographical changes. The court offered writers an interested public, avid for knowledge about the imago mundi : romances gave a traditional view of its marvels, while legends circulating at court sometimes echoed more intellectual considerations. Finally, the expanding power of the Plantagenets offered scholars new subjects to write about — a description of Ireland, for instance, or maritime routes followed by the English fleet during the Third Crusade — and directed the attention of scholars towards the need to study space. For example, Gerald of Wales reflected on the nature of Ireland, whose remoteness made it a world apart. A better knowledge of geography also served to glorify royal power, as the use of the symbol of the mappamundi as a representation of the power of the prince, testifies. Thus, a cultural renaissance and service to the Prince, within the framework of the court, account for a geographical progress remarkable for an exceptional number of works as well as for their importance.