In this project, UGent basic funding is used to initiate PhD research and to develop digital research tools and methodologies in the following three areas:

- The perception and performance of social identities in the Middle Ages based on documentary, narrative, and literary sources. The focus includes, among other topics, new urban groups, community formation in religious environments, the cultural significance of knighthood, and the development of historiographical and archival awareness within elite groups.

- The socio-historical significance of stories and storytelling traditions in medieval society.

- Historical-anthropological case studies with a focus on the High and Late Middle Ages on themes such as memory practices, emotions, visionary culture, the perception of fauna, flora, and natural resources, the role of material culture in religious rituals, childhood and education and more.

The project seeks to establish synergies with UGent colleagues.