draw attention to the vigorous but transitory nature of Germany’s central Middle Ages civilization.

highlight the fact that what we call “European” culture in fact comprises many distinct, often unrelated cultures.

support the idea that Europe’s great central Middle Ages civilization may be considered a world that died.

emphasize that the Great Famine and the Black Death did not destroy all aspects of Germany’s central Middle Ages culture.

suggest that, contrary to popular belief, modern historians know almost nothing of real substance about the central Middle Ages.