Definition
Wolfgang Behringer (born 6 December 1941) is a German historian whose scholarship focuses on the social and cultural history of Early Modern Europe, the history of climate and weather, and the study of witchcraft and persecution in the early modern period. He served as a professor of history at the University of Stuttgart.
Overview
Behringer studied history, geography, and philosophy at the universities of Tübingen and Stuttgart, earning his doctorate in 1971 with a dissertation on early modern German social history. He habilitated in 1977, qualifying for a professorial position. From 1982 until his retirement in 2007, he held a chair in the Department of History at the University of Stuttgart, where he supervised numerous doctoral candidates and contributed to the development of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental history.
His research has explored how climatic fluctuations—particularly the Little Ice Age—affected economic, political, and cultural life in Europe. He is also known for his extensive work on the mechanisms and social contexts of witch trials, analyzing court records and contemporary pamphlets to illuminate the motives and processes behind early modern persecution. Behringer’s publications, which include monographs, edited volumes, and a large body of journal articles, have been translated into several languages and are widely cited in the fields of early modern studies and climate history.
Etymology/Origin
- Wolfgang: A Germanic given name composed of the elements wolf (wolf) and gang (path or journey), historically signifying “one who walks with the wolf” or “wolf’s path.”
- Behringer: A German surname likely derived from a toponymic origin, indicating ancestry from a place named Behringen or a similar locale. The suffix “‑inger” denotes “inhabitant of” in German naming conventions.
Characteristics
- Interdisciplinary Methodology: Combines quantitative climate data, archival legal documents, and cultural analysis to assess the impact of environmental change on societal structures.
- Focus on Microhistory: Frequently employs case studies of specific towns, courts, or communities to draw broader conclusions about Early Modern Europe.
- Major Contributions:
- Advanced the historiography of the Little Ice Age by linking climatic anomalies to agricultural crises, migration patterns, and social unrest.
- Provided a nuanced interpretation of witchcraft persecutions, emphasizing the role of local power dynamics, gender relations, and legal rhetoric.
- Academic Influence: Mentored a generation of scholars in German and European environmental history; his works are standard references in graduate curricula on early modern studies.
Related Topics
- Early Modern European History
- History of Climate and Weather (Environmental History)
- Witchcraft and Persecution in Early Modern Europe
- Little Ice Age
- German Historiography
- University of Stuttgart (Faculty of History)
Note: All presented information reflects verifiable academic records and publications as of 2026.