Medieval and Early Modern Symbolism and Motifs in 20th-Century Genocides
Abstract
The phenomenon of genocide was defined, described, and codified only in the context of the Second World War and after its end (Rafał Lemkin, UN Convention 1948), however, mass violence fulfilling the scope of genocide goes back deep into pre-modern times. Likewise, modern genocides, including the Holocaust, contain motifs associated with the medieval (and early modern) world. These include the a priori ostracization of victims based on purposeful (ahistorical) updating of medieval realities, the use and abuse of religious and church arguments, etc. The chapter deals with the translation of these symbols in some significant genocides of the 20th century.
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