Waldemar Looks At The Dark Ages In A New Light | Age Of Light: Full Series | Perspective
The Dark Ages have been misunderstood. History has identified the period following the fall of the Roman Empire with a descent into barbarism - a terrible time when civilisation stopped. Waldemar Januszczak disagrees. In this four-part series he argues that the Dark Ages were a time of great artistic achievement, with new ideas and religions provoking new artistic adventures.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:12 The Clash Of Gods
00:59:19 What The Barbarians Did For Us
01:58:44 The Wonder Of Islam
02:57:52 Vikings: Men Of The North
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A month ago, I wouldn't give a ginger's ear about art history. Now I'm binging all of the Waldemar for the third time. It's really the right combination of engagement. Honest, interesting and easily digestable. But also let me point out how refreshing it is to see documentaries, which are properly cohesively narrated by one person speaking in full paragraphs - not supercuts of different people saying the same thing 10 times in a row. Or foreign experts who get talked over by the translater so you understand neither. No fancy 2-second attention span camera jerking or interruptions. It's just rock solid timeless good work. It's as if the creators understood their own art as well.
So agree. We all know the format by now: break up an interview into 6 second bites, then inject them into seamless photography, often a still photograph looking as if it moves. Thank goodness for Waldy!
Ginger’s ear? I am from California and we don’t see many red heads here. They are rare aka valuable. But I jest
@@panninggazz5244I’m from Massachusetts. We have TONS of ‘em!
I just commented on the great idea to have the host interact with the viewer instead of a long cue of talking heads from this institution and that. WJ has the courage of his convictions he doesn't need to pull it out of someone else's mouth and, honestly, who could even keep up with him? So smart, always looking at just the right things, always able to make the viewer his companion on these adventures in history and arts. I second all your comments about the way these are put together too. Yes, the filmmakers are artist in their own right on these.
I'm in awe. The amount of research, editing, planning, travel, logistics, and problems gaining access and permissions to film, with no small amount of re-enactors must have been a Herculean effort. The end product is as masterful as the art works and architecture presented. What a wonderful learning journey that I hope others will enjoy as much as I have. Thank you.
thank you ... i fully agree ... best wishes from northern germany
@@tantefee3968 ❤
Waldemar you are the David Attenborough of art history, that is now clear. Your films are masterpieces that originate from ultimate dedication and commitment to the subject and story telling. Also a great sense of humor added to the beautifully composed scenes. Fantastic! Thank you for every second and frame
Agree fully!!!
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Yes, I second the sense of humor.
@@RunningRoosterFarm p0⁰😅000
Ik denk dat het lachen tot de hoogste kunst verheven word ,omdat God bezit veel humor ,het is bekend dat lachen de korste weg tussen mensen is ,dat lachen gezond is ,en ik denk dat pampers meenemen geen overbodige luxe is graag voor 2 personen ,standaard in het pakket graag 😂🤪😇
This guy’s voice has a devious element to it. I love it
He is white what do you expect is that your real name is😅 your folks were really thinking about you😅
All I can think of with the Rotas square, is that 2000 years from now someone will dig up a stone plaque that says, "Live, Laugh, Love". They'll be completely perplexed and it will drive scholars to study it for deeper meaning.
Yeah I can’t find any credible source for believing it was meant as a charm of any kind.
This comment should have more Attention cause it’s very clever lol Love it….living and laughing lol….
Haha 😂 so true lol then the masons will control them like they did to us praying to there Egyptian gods lol
They won't even know we even existed or how the elites killed us by staving us I would love to know what really happened to the Egyptians the 13 family's will survive and rule again they always make the great rest I believe they let humans live and destroy us over and over
They will find thousands of them. All from the 99cent store inside storage units that people forgot to pay rent on. and will think it was a cult. A cult that couldn’t afford kool aid. Jest kidding.
This series is absolutely wonderful. I have to highlight how transforming and mesmerizing the film on Islam was. Not only will I watch this again and again but I am truly inspired to put my nose in books and film and pictures of the beauty of the Islamic world. It sort of decoded the Islamic aesthetics in a way that invited me in to that world. This series and WJ are just "everything*. Thank you to one and all on the team who make these they are really works of art with great scripts, excellent cinematic style creating that intimacy between WJ and the viewer and allowing the viewer to see what WJ is looking at as a companion to him on his travels, the editing is great and there is no effort spared for them to go long distances just to show us something amazing and unexpected which they could have done fine without but which just notch the whole program up. Such a genius idea that instead of the host talking to another party he just makes the viewer his travel and conversation companion. I cannot thank everyone behind these programs enough. And Waldemar is so amazing at putting the art in the world and the world in the art.
I can watch Waldemar's presentations on a loop all day! He's and incredible art historian and presenter. Wish for new content too.☮
Yepper.... His passion surely is contagious as well as educating and, he's opened my mind up on many levels.
He’s just outstanding! What a personality he has!
Art never lies. One of my favorite Perspective offerings.
its not a Perspective offering, these shows were made by the BBC ten years ago
Sure thing, Ai
I am only half way through and I already decided this is one of the best, most interesting, informative, and enjoyable presentations I have watched in years. Many, many thanks, Waldemar.
That's what I was just saying. He is a genius.
i think exactly the same. grazias...
This guy is excellent. I'm so happy to have stumbled upon his work. I like how he pops around the map, showing up in one place and another but he never looks any different. It makes the videos coalesce, no distractions, just the message. I hope I'm not the only oddball who has appreciation for that sort of continuity. Weldmars' love for what he does is apparent in the high quality of his work. I'm picking up a few things that I seemed to have missed in art history classes back in college and at times, gaining more insight about things I do know. So, thank you Weldmar! Excellent series.
Nicely said 👍😀👍
De vraag is, wil Janus nog een reis ondernemen en mij op zijn sleeptouw om mensen hun herkomst in historische afkomst in geloof en het verduidelijken en daar documentaires over maken maar vooral mensen vertellen dat wij uit dezelfde bron afkomstig zijn ,daarbij moet men ook sponsors voor vinden want camera’s + mensen hun salarissen zijn natuurlijk wel een kostenplaatje,voedsel en onderdak/ tenten etc dus wie kan hier op reageren ?
I could not agree more. Love this guy's work and the obvious joy he takes in it!
@@joseffinat966 I like your idea, but #1. If Waldemar wanted to make such a documentary, he probably has more resources/connections than we could gather for him, at least quickly. #2. I suspect he does not want to, because of how careful he is to never tell people to believe one religion over another. ...But he might!! Far be it for me to poison you with my cynicism. ❤ If you get him to agree, sign me up. ❤
His films are so well done! Even down to the very subtle back ground music, fun camera angles . You can tell he loves his work and makes history so very interesting. Should be shown in schools.
Certainly not in Florida or Texas!
It would be fun being a producer working with him
Art is always fascinating... If IQ is unbelievable..... 😂😂😂
You think he makes these alone? What about the others working with him? You imagine that only the one on camera is real and the others don't exist? Why give to him the credit due to them? From now onward, never be fooled into thinking that the person on the camera is the real "doer". That is especially true in politics and news. Listen to Prem Rawat!
Waldemar continues to be the Gold Standard in art history education! Who knew the Dark Ages could be this interesting and genuine fun!?
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SCAdians
I simply love WJ, he made lockdown bearable and has increased my understanding of art hugely.
1:58:51 Many years ago, my favorite theatrical troupe staged a costume party in celebration of one of their plays. They wanted everyone to costume themselves in Renaissance dress. Now I had the typical idea of Renaissance clothing as displayed by the English and Italians: layered clothing in heavy cloths like brocade and velvet, slits in the sleeves, elaborate collars and fancy dress shoes. I'm not a great seamstress and that stuff sounded expensive. Buying, renting or sewing a costume like that was out of the question. So I did what I usually did back then: I hit the books. Turns out, the Renaissance covered a lot more time and many more countries than I'd originally thought. I finally settled on being costumed like a Renaissance Muslim maiden. The costume was elegant but simple and easily cobbled together out of items I already possessed in my closet. I also learned that the Moors were a highly intelligent and sophisticated people. They introduced the steel needle to Europeans, kept the arts and sciences alive in Europe during the Dark Ages, built magnificent edifices and brought jasmine to the south of France where it became the basis for many perfumes. The people practicing Islam were translating "The Iliad" into their native language back when European priests were shying away from anything that smacked of "paganism". However, I realize a lot of my knowledge of them was rather superficial compared to what is shown here. What great contributions they made to history!
Cool story! I very much enjoy the fact that you delved into history for such an abstract (not sure if that's the right word for what I mean...lol) reason; looking for a costume idea and as a result learning about history. Very cool!
Waldemar is one of my favourite presenters- I’d love to see him do more!
Waldemar is a stud. Plain and simple. Why this guy doesn't have his own prime time show on PBS is a crime. I would pay to watch it.
Wee😊😅weew😅ww😅😅w😅😮e😅e😮eeewee😅😅w
@@FaH-Q. Karolina.. anna
You called him a stud. That is funny 😆
6th, but we are ⁶. We 6th 6th, so if
@@FaH-Q. i
You, sir, are the next Attenborough. One of the great narrators of all time. Your dialect is fascinating. So glad to have found your channel. Well done.
Waldemar is mesmerizing in his speech, it is all so fascinating! Glad I found these videos!
Please continue forever, Waldmer. You are briiliant and a bag of popcorn watching .. or so they say ...
🍿🍿🥤
@@caitlinfitzpatrick5378 hello
A wonderful series.
Wat,,, haha.... lies...all lies...
It’s such a joy to listen to Waldemar. Educational, authentic and enthusiastic.
And that sense of humor. I got my degree in art history as a mature student and he adds special bits as they say in England that is so enjoyable. What a knowledge base. You're never to old to learn. 😂
I needed this today! Thank you for all your work, Waldemar!
Hey there. Nice earring.
Yes, the details and passion going into this series is amazing.
Such deep appreciation for this being. Thank you for you🌿
such a wealth of information woven into an exploration of arts and culture! fantastic as always! Thanks Waldemar 🥰
Haha, such lies... the jig is up...yall are funny...
Wish I could go on an art tour with Waldmer through Europe
Thank you Waldemar For the people who want to know more ; 1;23 The Vandals in Africa = Carthage = Tunisia / The coliseum of El Jem / Bardo Museum .
I love Waldemar and his art documentaries.
Walemar Januszczak is AMAZING. Generous!
I really enjoy your storytelling and you manage to pack so much knowledge with the references and comparisons you make. I’m Greek and want to add an explanation to the use of the fish symbol. In ancient greek it’s called ΙΧΘΥΣ and each letter stands for a word: I for Ιησούς (Jesus), X for Χριστός (Christ), Θ for Θεός (God),Υ for Υιός (Son), Σ for Σωτήρ (Savior). Looking forward for more!
Respectfully asking… I’m curious to know how you got the letter I for Jesus when the letter J was the very last letter included to the alphabet, not to mention only created about 500 years ago… 1524 to be exact. Does the age of Pisces happen to ring a bell, the 2 Fish of the constellations? ♓️ Spring time when everything is reborn and comes alive again. Just as Oct. 31st “Day of the Dead” when all the crops die or December 25th the Equinox. Where the “Cross” originated. Hmm… LIFE. 🤔
Thank you for sharing ❤
@@anima-mundi111i'm not the op, but I'm curious what you meant to ask. The greek letter i (iota) existed in ancient greek. The latin i and j emerged later from the iota. Initially, the latin j and i were the same letter, j being used as swash. Indeed, from what I've found, the use of j as a discinct letter/sound from i emerged around the 15th century.
We watched "Introduction" and "The Clash of Gods" last night--our first Waldemar Januszczak documentary. They were FANTASTIC! Very informative and provocative. Thank you!!!!
I wonder if people hundreds of years into the future will look back at our time and call it a "modern dark age"? for all the tech we are advancing in, it seems that our ability for critical thinking and logic is regressing. Our ability to connect or have empathy for one another outside of this digital space, in reality, is also in decline. People don't go searching for truth or answers it seems, they revel in the lies, the chaos. And for those of us who are "artist" there is still inspiration in the struggle. But holy hell does the struggle suck.
This is the Present Age of the return of the gods, because the people have stopped seeking after the one true and living God, of which the Holy Scriptures has recorded, Malachi 3:7, God Most High spoke "Return unto me, and I will return unto you"..... but the people are seeking materialism and other small g o d s, moving further and further away from the truth of how to live, and accepting a lie and living in delusions, the moral fabric of civil society is in a critical crisis, leaving the masses empty-hearted, we are living in a time once again when we stand up for what is truth, what is righteous, and what is just, for a Human being, and we will be persecuted and beheaded, because of laws which are put in place once again which resembles the Roman empire.
Dear Avalon . I resonate so with your words . I had a 6 to 8 months struggle with how to treat people well as my nature instructs when the ignorance and arrogance of people I encounter and this cancel culture is the culprit to much of it . But I have overcome to allow my heart to overflow with love again thank goodness . I am counting on skipping a level or two in the big scheme of things and I will be rewarded for being true to myself when I enter the next level someday far away I feel . We are truly needed but yes its hard to avoid the egg shells and find new ways to communicate in a way that's meaningful . Anyway , I appreciate your expression . Thank you
@@Hereford-Love3 I fear what you say here, scriptures you repeat, just may come to pass. You would not be the first I have heard say so. My grandfather raised me warning me about the very world we live in today that I never thought I would live to see certain specific things, and it just keeps getting worse. I try to look for the good, I truly do. I lost my mom when covid was so bad. She was pretty much fear mongered into getting the vaccine and I was uneasy about it truly, begged her not to even. She passed from "heart issues" something she never had issues with prior, 6 mon after having it and I can't really even discuss it online without getting hate and weird talk from others on it. Today I just don't care because I am tired of the judgment and hell, at least I know what I say is honest no matter if others want to believe or not. Art has kept me grounded, God and I are obviously at a teaching moment and it is not one I am enjoying nor easily accepting.
@@kman7169 Thank you for your message. I do try to look for the good where I can. I do stained glass art, so I have been throwing myself into that alot lately. I have a difficult time with so much of the hate you see going on especially on Social Media. People are so judgmental of others and I feel like they are falling into this "algorithm", depending on what they look at mostly, of anger. And it is being purposefully directed I believe. You can't be hit by all the negative, always feeling like there is something wrong to fight against never looking at things logically or looking at things that used to make you joyful, without becoming a really negative version of yourself, ya know. And I see this happening alot, its disheartening. I try not to fall into that trap because I really do love life, even the hard bits. Your message truly was beautiful and it is hopeful, and I thank you for that.
This again is The Golden Age👑
I love to listen to waldemar. I've seen them many times, each one of these broadcasts, but I cannot get enough of him! He has a delightful manner of speaking, and he is darling, as well. Meow!
“It was a lucky charm to ward off evil, a sign of an appetite for mystery and signs and symbols and secret magic meanings...” It was a neat word puzzle. Makes you wonder if people will find Sudoku books in 1000 years and assume that they were secret communications with ghosts or something.
I think that the tablets. Outside of homes we're a version of the Jewish ..mzuzah. Which is to this day put on the entrances of homes and institution religious and non religious. ❤ from. Jerusalem
As soon i heard the name Paternoster hang on i know this name. We have a town here in South Africa on the west coast called Paternoster, named so by shipwrecked sailors. They gave thanks for making it to shore.
This documentary is no ordinary video. A long non-fictional movie about our past that all should watch to understand who the "hell" we are... I guess an "incredible" production and presentation with an unique passion and perspective. Thank you.
He manages to take a subject that for me was well quite dry and boring and turned it into something that actually keeps me awake. I used to use the documentary series Civilization with Kenneth Clark to put me to sleep regularly. It's still worth watching and on KZhead.
🛐
A gifted and passionate teacher.
The skill of the Saxon metalworkers and illuminated script draftsmen stuns me and I have 40 years experience in jewelry engraving. Much like the cave paintings in Lascaux cave I don't feel our arts have really improved.
Were obviously living in the twilight of man very far removed from our Golden Age Studying history, its plain to see, when you see works of art like these.
King Memnon of Ethiopia, brought those metalcraft technologies to the Saxon tribes. c1100AD; "Prose Edda"; Icelandic historical text
if you think art hasn't imporved from cave paintings then you have absolutely no idea what art is. Asine comment
I love your presentations I believe you tell it like it is at times with some humor I love art. I Specially like the presentation you did on the Impressionists.
Thank you for this absolutely splendid film!
Waldemar, you leave us enriched with this treasury of artistic curiosity, sleuthing, and ecstatic appreciation of the arts and people of those sequestered ages! The ease with which YOU drew the Celtic interlace, starting with a nearly-perfect rectangle, suggests to me that those thick fingers of yours are amazingly skilled. 💐
Thank you so much. Your presentations are superbly produced, and the content masterful. Namaste 🙏🏻
Love history and love what you do. How come you dont seem to age?!
I wondered that too….
Thank you soooooooo much for all the wonderful art videos so magnificently explained!!! They make me feel like Time traveler with the most knowledgeable and well versed guide...MUCHAS GRACIAS WALDEMAR!!!
Wow, so happy the algorithm discovered this channel for me! ❤
Well, that is my weekend sorted. What joy! Yes, I have seen them all before two or three times ....
Greetings Waldy! And thank you!
Waldemar has become my eye-opener in Art, mega thanks!❤
The Sutton Hoo treasures are magnificent! Jus amazing!
"This isn't art yet - this is an inscription. What you see in here is appetite for signs and symbols, and secret meanings. That Christian appetite is something that transferred to Christian art.... That square isn't art yet, but it is an excellent pointer to a new artistic direction." (7:20-8:10). So insightful to recognize that the palindromic square reflects the same mentality that was at home in the world of symbolism and a reality underlying the material world. That is what I value so much in Waldemar J, and that he is intelligent enough to grasp such insights in context - that is, he REALLY enjoys and appreciates art, and comprehends it at a deep level. And both the enjoyment and the depth of perception come across in his presentations. I learn a lot from this guy. Not only do I know more after watching him, I'm smarter myself.
So glad I stumbled on this on my day off. It’d be hard to watch this whole thing at work, but I’d definitely try. Very well done
You are brilliant in so many genres. I didn't know this, but I recognized your voice in so many other youtube favorites. *So smart!* Thank you for your hard work.
I've loved art and history before I really knew what it was. I was surrounded by it and immersed in it for as long as I can remember. Thank you for your site and all you show and discuss. I'll watch anything on the subject and I've been to many of the places you present. The thing is I can keep my interest fed and now keep my kids and husband involved. That's no small thing but you've done it. Thank you again. New avid fan .
Fantastic presentation, so much passion and appreciation and knowledge. THANK YOU
I discovered WJ at about the same time I became a member of the AIC (Chicago). He has helped me learn more about art (especially the French Impressionists) in the last two years than I have in a lifetime. I rewatch these on a regular basis.
Its nice to see some history and reality. thank-you so much
Moltes gràcies! Thanks so much and thanks for the subtitles!
The dark age is now.
Thank you, Sir, for enlightening me. I find your presentations very stimulating.
I love the black cat who was Following you. That’s so cute ♥️
No one does it better or with so much class!
My name is waldemar too first time ive seen that
I have never learned so much in my life. My coworkers and Husband are getting sick of me talking about it. I wish there was more. The religious bits were mind blowing
Just excellent. The subject matter could have been dour, but the documentarian made it bright and engaging. Thanks!
Thank you so much for uploading this video. It is helping me get through the pandemic!
really? The pandemic was 2 years ago, you posted this 9 months ago. But hey go on.......
Well done and holds your interest through each period!
Thanks for making art so much more interesting to me. I love watching anything you do.
I just discovered you and I am thrilled! So good.
fascinating, fascinating!! Thanks a ton!
This is a fascinating study of the dark ages , beautiful architecture, history lesson of religion and if course the dark ages with no religion,this was a great series, fascinating,thankyou Mr waldemar.
This gentleman is one best historian i know. Thank you so much!!
Very interesting! Many new sights for me, and some intriguing facts I haven't come across before. Fantastic footage and narration, thank you! 🙏❤️
Thank you for all these documentaries! Sharing your knowledge/wisdom with us History really opens up your mind
Beautiful narrative of history and the art illustrations of how they did their arts during those dark period of history. Thank you so muchfor the wealth of knowledge of the Anglo-Saxons.
Many, many dziękuję for sharing the knowledge in such a interesting way, not being stiff and deadly serious at the same time. Than you!!!
Just found your channel by accident. Love this!! Thank you!!
Like many commenters here I love Waldemar's films and am re-watching this series (one of my favourites) for the umpteenth time, so apologies if I've commented before. There are many reasons to love Waldemar but two of them are on display in this series so I'll mention those. Firstly, I really appreciate how Waldemar gives the utmost respect to Shaun Greenhalgh as an amazing craftsperson, despite their 'history. And secondly, of course, it's the way that this passionate art lover shares that passion in a way that is never patronising, always fascinating and sometimes, downright hilarious (it was the dodgy Viking helmet that got me in this one but the spectacles in the Renaissance series are still a favoruite!). Thank you for making these films and making them available for everyone.
Certainly enjoy his tongue in cheek sarcasm while telling his stories.
1:23:27 a migration caused by a series of volcanic eruptions A blocked out the sunlight. This would have caused crop failures, famine and disease. shows a dramatic reduction in available sunlight in AD536 and again between AD541 and 544. This affected the whole of the northern hemisphere and led to severe vitamin D deficiency, making already hungry people susceptible to disease. These unusually poor years coincide with a plague that killed half of eastern europe... . The findings are confirmed by tree ring data which show that, following the eruptions, trees hardly grew at all in Europe because there was not enough light for photosynthesis.
Waldemar makes everything interesting i love his dedication thank you
FOUR HOURS!!!! groovy. I love the way Mr. Januszczak says the word Artttttttttt. Today, he did the same thing with the word Darkkkk. Thanks for the long video. You Tub's algorithm sucks and it's hard to find good stuff. This way, I don't have to scroll for four hours. great
What a wonderful voice ! More documentaries please do more documentaries!
I'd like to see Waldemar go into the early American Modernists, the Stieglitz Circle. He is the best!
Excellent video production in every aspect. Great work!
Very good. I like stating matter of facly the wand of jesus, the solar aspect of jesus. These are so often ignored or vehemently argued against. Nice to have it just a part of the conversation. I am somewhat surprised you did not at least mention the Basque Mari as the basis for Mary
Fascinating. I WISH this guy would've been my History teacher for 12 years. He's fun to watch and listen to. He's brilliant...& That 💍 ring he's wearing 🪙 has to be a Roman's ring. It's HUGE. Alpha and Omega.
and enjoyable presentations I have watched in years. Many, many thanks, Waldemar.
yo this docco is bloody legit. This bloke knows his stuff
I was sleeping listening to this I had to wake to watch what I was listening to wow! I`m amaze thank you so much from the Dominican Republic
Excellent! Amazing history! You’re the best!!
Your presentations of everything is amazing..Thank you..
Well done, Waldemar. You educated and entertained me. Thank you so much.
What a wonderful lesson of this ERA Waldemar you are a brilliant teacher, you have a certain pronunciation of the words you teach with that resonates with me.
Just what I needed thanks for the amazing insight
Just love all,your documentaries..watched them over and over..
I really love, love how he presents & narrates. i feel passions& care. the spead is slower and he speaks to everyone with passion, not like not carng about ppl and speaking in one way street. i usually dont remember things ppl say especially about history for more than a second. but i remember things he says. i wished he had been my history teacher at school so that i wouldve been much better at history!!
How wonderful! I enyoid the series very much! Lets hope there wil be many more!. Thank you very much.
My favorite of them all!
Can't wait to watch it tomorrow!
Love your videos! Thank You🎉🎉
Treasures from gravesites should be quickly studied, recorded, returned and re-buried.