A Medieval Law for Noncombatants with James Houlihan
The Medieval Podcast

A Medieval Law for Noncombatants with James Houlihan

B2Upper-intermediateSeptember 17, 202641 min

While there was more violence in the medieval world than there is today on the whole, much of that was in the context of warfare. And even in medieval warfare, there were many people who felt the need for limits. This week, Danièle speaks with James Houlihan about medieval perspectives on warfare, attitudes towards noncombatants, and the steps one Abbot of Iona took to protect the innocent. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of listeners like you! To find out how to help spread the joy of medieval history, please visit patreon.com/themedievalpodcast

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Hi everyone, and welcome to episode 358 of the Medieval Podcast. I'm your host, Danielle Cebulski. A common idea about the Middle Ages is that it was super violent and everybody liked it that way. While there is more violence than there is today on the whole, much of that

0:29

was in the context of warfare. And even in medieval warfare, there were many people who felt the need for limits. A group of Irish elites gathered together in Ber to agree to a new law to protect non-combatants. This week I spoke with Dr. James Houlihan about Adavnán's Lex in Asentium. After decades

0:50

of practicing law in Ireland himself, Jim turned all his attention to working on this incredible Irish source text. The result is his new book, Adam Nahn's Lex Innocentium and the Laws of War. Our conversation on medieval perspectives on warfare, attitudes towards non-combatants, and the steps one Abbot of Iona took to protect the innocent is coming up right after this.

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