CMEMS Conference on Experiencing Betrayal in Premodern Societies
The students from the Research Master’s program in Classical, Medieval, and Early Modern Studies at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen are organising a conference on Monday, 30 June 2025 in the Harmoniegebouw (Expositieruimte).
This conference seeks to shed light on the personal and societal experiences of betrayal in premodern societies. Drawing on perspectives from history, literary studies, and classics, the event aims to understand how trust was conceptualized, how its violation was experienced, and how societies responded to such ruptures.
Rather than viewing betrayal solely through the lenses of treason or adultery, the conference adopts Larissa Tracy’s definition of ‘betrayal’ from her introduction in Treason: Medieval and Early Modern Adultery, Betrayal, and Shame, as an overarching term for any act that disrupts bonds of trust. Participants will examine a wide range of topics, from the emotional trauma caused by betrayal, to the changing perceptions and punishments of acts such as heresy, political treason, and infidelity across different historical contexts.
Consequently, through our different presentations and panel discussions we target questions such as: How did individuals cope with the shock, guilt, or shame that betrayal might bring? How did communities address and remember such acts? And what can these responses tell us about the moral and social fabric of premodern societies? By engaging with these questions, this conference will foster a deeper, interdisciplinary understanding of betrayal not just as a timeless human experience, but also as a historically and culturally specific phenomenon. All are welcome to join as audience and engage in discussions on June 30 from 9:00-17:00 at the Expositieruimte, Harmoniegebouw in Groningen.
The Huizinga Instituut has funded the conference. Dr Johan Oolsthorn from the University of Amsterdam will be giving the keynote speech on Hobbes and legal history. Additionally, students can sign-up for a 1 ECTS assignment after the attendance to the conference. The conference will be live-streamed, allowing you to attend online if indicated in the sign-up form. The link to the livestream will be posted on the website below.