MEDIEVAL EUROPEWorld History

LEARNING TARGETS To describe the characteristics of the

MEDIEVAL PERIOD in world history

To explain the RISE of the CHURCH as a dominant institution during the medieval times

Definitions: Medieval Times

The period between the Fall of Rome in 476 AD and the age of exploration in the 15th Century

Also known as the Middle Ages & Dark Ages Comes from Latin word medius (middle) and aevum (age or period)

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Ancient Period

Dark Ages

Fall of Rome

Age of Exploration

Middle Ages

AD476 AD 15th Century

WHY WAS IT CALLED THE DARK AGES?What are the characteristics of the dark ages?

Characteristics:

A period of DISORDER and CHAOS

A period of BARBARIC INVASIONS burning and plundering towns and cities

Who were these barbaric groups? Germanic/Teutonic Tribes (ancestors of the Germans,

Dutch, Swedes, Norwegians, French, English, etc.)

1. Goths (Visigoths/Ostrogoths) 2. Vandals, Burgundians, Lombards 3. Franks 4. Angles and Saxons 5. Vikings 6. Magyars 7. Huns

Why were they called Barbaric?

Most of these tribes were rough and ignorant - uncivilized as compared to the citizens of the Roman empire

Laws were based on superstitious and tribal customs

They were fierce and warlike; still worship gods such us Odin (chief Scandinavian god) and Thor (god of Thunder)

Most couldn’t read and write

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continuation of characteristics… Agricultural activities practically ceased

Roads and bridges were ruined

Travel became very difficult with robbers infesting the highways

Trade and commerce were seriously affected by the chaotic conditions

Schools and libraries and temples were destroyed.

There was cultural stagnation and social upheaval everywhere

The series of Germanic invasions led to the weakening and decline of the Roman Empire

The people of Europe needed an institution which will serve as a means of SOCIAL CONTROL and PROTECTION

Thus the Rise of the Church! Emperor Constantine made Christianity the

official religion of the empire

The Roman empire’s seat of government was then transferred to Constantinople (present day Turkey) named as THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE headed by Emperor Constantine

The Western Roman Empire collapses.

The rest of the Roman Empire carries on. Eventually, we will call it the Byzantine Empire (but they always called themselves Romans).

Brief overview Christianity was introduced throughout the

empire by the disciples of Christ specifically St. Peter (the chief Apostle of Christ), even before the fall of Rome.

The spread of the belief became widespread because the Roman gods could no longer provide security, hope and comfort during the dark ages

THE RISE OF THE CHURCH

(The Roman Catholic Church)

Why did it become the dominant institution during the medieval period?

Dominance of the Church: 4 factors It taught that salvation depended on its

sacraments

It had the only strong authority in the empire

It controlled education

It controlled land ownership

Medieval people, jaded in the chaos and disorder of their societies found little joy in their physical world – and so they became spiritual.

The bishops and priests provided moral guidance and practical leadership in the population

The church fed the poor and took care of the sick, the widows and the orphans

The people looked up to the church for order, authority and help – only the church could provide at that time

The Organization of the Church POPE - office of the Papacy

CARDINALS

ARCHBISHOP

BISHOP

PARISH PRIEST

Popes were more powerfulthan Kings

The church was very Hierarchical

The church as an organization like that of an empire – own system of laws, courts

and taxes - it collects 10% of all farm produce

Its clergy is exempt from paying taxes to the kings and emperors

It gives direction on how men should behave

The ultimate power of the church was to EXCOMMUNICATE – to cut a man off from God and condemn his soul to eternal torment

(recall the movie, Season of the Witch)

What were the scenes depicting the authority of the Church?

The medieval churches acquired much land in Europe – most of these have been donated by rich landowners.

Many gave land to the church in hopes of increasing their chances of being spiritually saved.

THE MONASTERY A self-supporting organization in support of

the church’s missionary activities.

Served as school, hospital and place of worship- run by monks

Center of scholarship – most of the educated men at that time were the church men

MONASTICISM: the way of life of the monks and nuns: seclusion from the worldly life

famous: St. Benedict and the Benedictine order

We owe our knowledge of the past to the monks because they developed a system of writing manuscripts and documented the medieval way of life

MEDIEVAL PERIOD

DOMINANCE OF THE CHURCH AS AN INSTITUTION

THE DARK AGES

RECAP

Part 2: MEDIEVAL LIFE

Feudalism, Manorialism, The

Castle &Knighthood

Learning Targets To discuss the feudal set up during the

medieval times

To describe the manorial lifestyle

To explain knighthood and chivalry

Definitions: FEUDALISM

A political, economic, and social system based on loyalty and military service through a system of land ownership

A land-based economy – the political, economic and social security of the people is based on land

FeudalismFeudalismFeudalismFeudalism

Life in Medieval Europe

“Fiefs and

peasants”:

What arefiefs

“Fiefs and

peasants”:

What arefiefs

?

Feudal pyramid

Class lines between the upper and lower levels were clear and sharp

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THE FEUDAL PYRAMID OF POWER

LESSER NOBLES(KNIGHTS)

LABOR PROTECTION

POWERFULNOBLES

KING

SERFS AND FREEMEN

LAND ANDPROTECTION

LANDLOYALTY ANDSERVICE

LOYALTY ANDMILITARY SERVICE

Definitions: The manorial system MANOR: The territorial unit in a feudal

society

System of landlord-tenant relationship

Medieval life was centered on a manor

Obligations of the tenants to the lords: Gives the large proportion of his harvest to

his lord Labors 3x a week in the fields Required to build bridges and repair roads for

the lord Gives farm products to the lord: cheese, pork,

eggs and wood

Life in Medieval Europe

The Manor: a self-sufficient economic unit

III. Life in Medieval Europe

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What does

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What does

fallow

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The Manor: a self-sufficient economic unitIMAGINE FARMVILLE

III. Life in Medieval Europe

A well-off peasant’s hut: after the invention of the fireplace

III. Life in Medieval Europe

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Growth of Towns

THE CASTLE For fortification and protection purposes

Usually overlooks the owner’s farmlands and the villages where the serfs live

Usually where the lords and nobles live

The interior of the castle had heavy walls and small windows, making them cold, damp and dark.

It is equipped with water and emergency food supplies to sustain the lord and his family, the villagers and the knights and soldiers through sieges that often lasted for weeks.

III. Life in Medieval Europe

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for this town?

Parts of a Medieval CastleParts of a Medieval CastleParts of a Medieval CastleParts of a Medieval Castle

Carcassonne: A Medieval Carcassonne: A Medieval CastleCastle

Carcassonne: A Medieval Carcassonne: A Medieval CastleCastle

Definitions: Knighthood Knighthood was grounded in the feudal ideal

of loyalty. A famous medieval profession

Composed of high born fighting men or soldiers during the middle ages

Usually the sons of the nobility and the landlords

The Road to KnighthoodThe Road to KnighthoodThe Road to KnighthoodThe Road to Knighthood

KNIGHT

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At age 7, he learns horsemanship, care of arms and armor and trains to be courteous and humble

At age 14, he learns how to fight on horseback, Serves his knight for some years, accompanyingHim in battle

At age 20, reaches the final phase of his training,He has to be knighted, takes a bath of purificationAnd is dressed in a special attire, prays in the chapel,Kneels before his lord who hits him with a sword on hisshoulder

A knight in shining armor! Typical attire of a knight

St. Ignatius was once an

aspiring knight before

he was hit by a canon ball

and founded the Jesuits

Pads worn under the armor to help ease the weight. They were called gambesons.

A helmet of the type worn by knights during the crusades. One can see the holes cut in the front. This made it easier for the knight to breathe.

These are two examples of medieval shields made of either wood or metal. Normally these would have the knight's emblem or family seal on them.

An example of a more ornate piece of armor, used more for show.

Medieval weaponry

sword

dagger

mace

Definitions: Chivalry Chivalry was a system of ideals and social

codes governing the behaviors of knights and gentlewomen.

The Code of Chivalry dictated that a Knight should be brave and fearless in battle but would also exhibit cultured Knightly qualities showing themselves to be devout, loyal, courteous and generous.

IN CONCLUSIONThe feudal society was constructed for one reason: security – economic and social

The nobles wanted the security of maintaining control over their far-reaching kingdoms, so they were forced to delegate power to local control.

The peasants wanted security from marauders and barbarians from neighboring lands. They also wanted security from invading armies.

MEDIEVAL PERIOD

DOMINANCE OF THE CHURCH

THE DARK AGES

AFTER THE FALL OF ROME

FEUDALISM MANORIALISMKNIGHTHOOD

Part 3: The Crusades, Bubonic Plague, and Contributions of the Middle Ages

I. CRUSADES SERIES OF HOLY WARS BY WESTERN

EUROPEAN CHRISTIANS TO RECAPTURE THE HOLY LAND FROM THE MUSLIMS (aka Saracens, Turks).

FIRST UNDERTAKEN IN 1096 AND ENDED IN THE LATE 13TH CENTURY

What was the cause of the Crusades? The City of Jerusalem

held a Holy significance to the Christian and Muslim religion.

Bethlehem, Calvary Hill, etc.

In 1065 Jerusalem was taken by the Turks and 3000 Christians were massacred starting a chain of events which contributed to the cause of the crusades.

Supported by Pope Clairmont, Pope Urban and Pope Innocent

How many crusades were there? A total of 9 including

the Children’s crusade

For a period of 200 years, Europe and Asia were engaged in almost constant warfare

What were the effects of the crusades? Increased the wealth and power of the Catholic

church

Cultural exchange among the Europeans and the Asians. Asia was introduced to Europe

Feudalism weakened

Trade and commerce was strengthened

The crusaders enjoyed the advantages which come from travel in strange lands and among unfamiliar peoples. They went out from their castles or villages to see great cities, marble palaces, superb dresses, and elegant manners; they returned with finer tastes, broader ideas, and wider sympathies. 

TAKE NOTE: The East at the time of the

Middle Ages surpassed the West in civilization. 

The elegance of the Orient, with its silks, tapestries, precious stones, perfumes, spices, pearls, and ivory, was so enchanting that an enthusiastic crusader called it "the vestibule of Paradise."

http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/the-crusades.htm

Issues: Christians, not just Muslims were also

terrorists. Agree? History has it.

Can the US-led war on terror a modern-day crusade? Or

Islamic terrorist attacks be likened to the medieval crusade?

II. BUBONIC PLAGUE 1347 A.D (Lasted 3-4 years) Started in China spread to European Countries such

as England and Italy through trade routes. 25 million killed – Roughly 1/3 of Europe's

Population. Caused by unsanitary increase in population (Rats,

Mice, Fleas etc.) Very fast spreading, cruel and inhumane terms of

treatment (not much they could do but ostracize the person ex. Italy, Poveglia).

The term Bubonic Plague is derived from Greek word “Bubo”: “swollen gland” a sign and side effect of the sickness.

Used in Biological Warfare: 1940 Japan

Caused by Yesirnia pestis

Yersinia pestis: Gram- Negative rod-shaped bacterium

Facultative anaerobic – (Grow best

when oxygen is present but

can grow without. )

Family: Enterobacteriaceae- other members include: pathogens, such as

Salmonella and Escherichia coli

Three main forms: bubonic plagues

pneumonic, andsepticemic,

Discovered in 1894 by Alexandre Yersin epidemic in Hong Kong.

The CulpritsThe Culprits

The The SymptomsSymptoms

Bulbous

Septicemic Form:

almost 100% mortality rate.

Attempts to Stop the Attempts to Stop the PlaguePlague

A Doctor’s Robe

“Leeching”

What were thepolitical,

economic,and social effects

of the Black Death?

3. CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD

1. ARCHITECTURE

The BASILICACHURCH

The Roman basilica is the Greek temple turned inside out. –Arnold Toynbee

Medieval architecture

1. The basilica church

The Roman basilica was a

political, legal,

and cultural center.

. . . basilica ceilings are wooden

Medieval architecture

2. Romanesque Church

Romanesque ceilings are stone

The Romanes

que church

added a heavy, stone

ceiling. Walls must now be very heavy.

Medieval architecture

2. Romanesque Church

Walls were heavy, but

still required buttressing.

Medieval architecture

2. Romanesque

Pisa Cathedral

The bell tower is a separate structure in Italian churches.

The bell tower is a separate structure in Italian churches.

Medieval architecture

2. Romanesque

Pisa Cathedral from the air

It leans because

the foundation is uneven.

It leans because

the foundation is uneven.

. . . so is the

baptistry!

. . . so is the

baptistry!

Medieval architecture

3. The Gothic revolution

old way: new idea:

Ribbed vaults transfer the weight of the roof from the walls to piers. The stone walls can be replaced with glass.

The Romanesque problem:

not enough light. new “Gothic”

idea: ribbed vaults allow larger windows.

VI. Medieval architecture

3. The Gothic revolution

et there be light!

St. Denis choir, whose rebuilding by Abbot Suger started

the Gothic Revolution

L

3. The Gothic revolution

Rose windows on the side entrances and front entrance

were common in Gothic churches 

3. The Gothic revolution In St. Chapelle, Paris,

the walls are no longer stone.

3. The gothic revolution

Ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, lots of glass

Chartres

Vienna

Paris

3. The gothic revolution

Gargoyles

An easy way to recognize a Gothic Church: look for pointed arches. For reasons not discussed here, all gothic arches are pointed.

Inhabitants of medieval Europe built hundreds

of churches

Style identifier:What style is that medieval church? Flat ceiling:

Round arches, stone barrel vaulted ceiling:

Pointed arches, bigger windows, flying buttresses:

3. The Gothic revolution

Flat ceiling:

Round arches, stone barrel vaulted ceiling:

Pointed arches, bigger windows,flying buttresses:

Style identifierWhat style is that medieval

church ??

?

?

Basilica

Romanesque

Gothic

VI. Medieval architecture

Stone castle

MEDIEVAL LIFE

MOLDBOARD PLOW

The moldboard plow turning the soil

upwards and to the right.

Invention of the Middle Ages

The stirrup

Another invention of the Dark Age:Another invention of the Dark Age:

The horseshoe

Eyeglasses Invented in Pisa 13th century By 15th century Italy making thousands spectacles Eyeglasses encouraged invention of fine

instruments Gauges Micrometers Fine wheel cutters Precision tools

Mechanical Clock Undermined Church authority

equal hours for day and night a new concept

Resisted by the church for a century

Every town wanted one Public clocks installed in towers

Conquerors seized as spoils of war

Allowed individual autonomy Work now measured by time

increased productivity

Bern, Switzerland

Gunpowder Europeans improved

gunpowder to siege castles

Europeans focused on range and weight of projectiles: siege warfare

With improved metal casting, made world’s best cannon

MEDIEVAL PERIOD

DOMINANCE OF THE CHURCH

THE DARK AGES

AFTER THE FALL OF ROME

FEUDALISM MANORIALISMKNIGHTHOOD

BUBONIC PLAGUECRUSADES

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. WHAT SIGNALED THE BEGINNING OF THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD?

FALL OF ROME

2. Another term for MEDIEVAL PERIOD

Middle Ages and Dark Ages

3. Why was it called the DARK AGES?Enumerate the characteristics:

PERIOD OF CHAOS, DISORDER and BARBARIC INVASION

4. WHO WERE THESE BARBARIC GROUPS and WHY WERE THEY CALLED BARBARIC?

Germanic/Teutonic Tribes

WHY DID THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH BECOME A DOMINANT INSTITUTION?

it provided stability, peace and order, and salvation of theweary, troubled souls in a society of constant threat, turmoiland stagnation

What was the dominant political, economic and social system during the middle ages?

FEUDALISM

Explain how feudalism works

Describe the MANOR

Who are knights?

Why were the crusades launched?

What caused the bubonic plague?

Cite some contributions of the medieval period.