Carine van Rhijn

Dr. Carine van Rhijn is an Associate Professor in Medieval History at Utrecht University's Faculty of Humanities, Department of History and Art History. She serves as Head of Medieval History and is affiliated with the Humanities Research Institute for History and Art History. Her scholarly work focuses on the cultural history of the early medieval period, with particular expertise in manuscripts, local religious practices, knowledge systems, and beliefs.

Her research interests span Medieval History, Early Middle Ages, Carolingian Period studies, Medieval Manuscripts, Pastoral Care, Medieval Religions, Cultural History, Divination Practices, and Archaeology. Dr. van Rhijn has established herself as a leading scholar on Carolingian religious reforms, particularly examining how these reforms were implemented at the local level through priests and pastoral care. Her work often explores the intersection of religious authority, local knowledge, and everyday practices in the early medieval world.

Analysis of her recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a consistent focus on medieval knowledge systems, particularly divination practices, prognostication, and the cultural significance of manuscripts. Her research demonstrates a strong interest in how religious reforms, particularly during the Carolingian period, were experienced and adapted at the local level. She frequently examines the relationship between official religious doctrine and local practices, with special attention to how priests functioned as knowledge brokers in early medieval society.

Dr. van Rhijn has made significant contributions through her monograph Leading the Way to Heaven: Pastoral Care and Salvation in the Carolingian Period (2022) and her edited volume Rethinking the Carolingian Reforms (2023). She has also co-edited important works including Men in the Middle: Local Priests in Early Medieval Europe (2016) and Religious Franks: Religion and Power in the Frankish Kingdoms (2016).

As Senior Lecturer and Head of Medieval History, Dr. van Rhijn plays an active role in teaching and academic leadership at Utrecht University. Her scholarly approach combines meticulous manuscript study with broader cultural analysis, offering nuanced perspectives on how religious reforms were implemented and adapted in local contexts during the early medieval period.