The Culture of the High Middle Ages
Revival of Learning
1. Universities established in big cities
1 st University: Bologna, Italy
Some things never change
2. Most writing in Latin, but some in Vernacular (everyday language)
Dante-The Divine Comedy (trip to hell) Chaucer- Canterbury Tales (Pilgrims going to Canterbury)
3. Scholasticism Attempt to harmonize Christian teaching with philosophy of the Greeks (Aristotle)
Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologica No conflict between logic and faith Some truths can only be understood by faith
4. Vernacular Literature 1. Chanson de geste: Heroic Epic poetry Song of Roland1. Chanson de geste: Heroic Epic poetry Song of Roland 2. Love songs and poetry2. Love songs and poetry
Troubadours
Courtly Love 26
Woman on a pedestal (idealized)Woman on a pedestal (idealized) Longing, but no consummation—NOT!Longing, but no consummation—NOT! Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Court of LoveEleanor of Aquitaine and the Court of Love
Cathedrals: Cities of God
Old style: Romanesque 2
1. rounded arches 10
2. thick walls 3. small windows
New Style: Gothic 10
First: 1137 St. Denis
1. pointed Arches
2. flying buttresses 10
Buttresses Notre Dame
Gothic Interior 2
3. stained glass windows 20
Most famous
Notre Dame--Paris 10
Notre Dame 20
Chartres Cathedral 19
Interior, Chartres 10
Famous for Windows 2
Salsbury
Modern Use of Flying Buttresses 42
Air Force Academy 42
42
3.Center of community life Stonework and glass tell Bible stories 500 built between
Stonework 2
Carpenter’s Guild 2