THE MIDDLE AGES Europe AD 500-1500
Periodization Early Middle Ages: 500 – 1000 After fall of Rome, chaos ensues- wars, no trade, signs of advanced civilization disappear in Europe High Middle Ages: 1000 – 1250 Conditions improve as Monarchs provide security / economic growth- begin to build nations Late Middle Ages: 1250 - 1500 Progressive thinking eventually leads to increased democracy, technology, science, etc… Renaissance, Reformation
Europe in the 6c
Charlemagne: 742 to 814 Frankish King c. 800 AD Unites Present day France, Germany, N. Italy into empire Works with church- spreads Christianity throughout W.Europe Values education= schools, textbooks, etc Sets up strong gov’t = model for future kings
Charlemagne’s Empire
Pope Crowned Charlemagne Holy Roman Emperor: Dec. 25, 800 Christian Pope crowns King successor to Roman Emperor Revives ideal of united Christian community Widens split between E / W Christians Power struggles in future- who’s in charge- king or pope? State or church?
The Rise of European Monarchies: England
Charlemagne’s Empire Collapses: Treaty of Verdun, 843
Feudalism A political, economic, and social system based on loyalty and military service.
Carcassonne: A Medieval Castle Lord= Landowner Fief= Land Knight= Mounted Warrior (owes lord) Vassal= pledge loyalty to lord in return for landholdings Chivalry= Knights code of conduct Page= Young boy training to be knight (start at 7) Squire= Apprentice of knight
Parts of a Medieval Castle
The Road to Knighthood KNIGHT SQUIRE PAGE
Chivalry: A Code of Honor and Behavior
The Medieval Manor
Life on the Medieval Manor Manor = Estate Serf= Peasant, bound to land Slave= Peasant, property of lord Peasant= Work for lord in exchange for protection, place to live, and food
The Medieval Catholic Church filled the power vacuum left from the collapse of the classical world. monasticism: St. Benedict – Benedictine Rule of poverty, chastity, and obedience. provided schools for the children of the upper class. inns, hospitals, refuge in times of war. libraries & scriptoria to copy books and illuminate manuscripts. monks missionaries to the barbarians. [St. Patrick, St. Boniface]
The Power of the Medieval Church bishops and abbots played a large part in the feudal system. the church controlled about 1/3 of the land in Western Europe. tried to curb feudal warfare only 40 days a year for combat. curb heresies crusades; Inquisition tithe 1/10 tax on your assets given to the church.
A Medieval Monk’s Day
A Medieval Monastery: The Scriptorium
Illuminated Manuscripts
William the Conqueror: Battle of Hastings, 1066 (Bayeaux Tapestry) William “Duke of Normandy”- Brings knights from France and becomes King Of England
Evolution of England’s Political System Henry I: William’s son. set up a court system. Dept. of royal finances. Henry II: established the principle of common law throughout the kingdom. grand jury. trial by jury.
Magna Carta, 1215 “Great Charter” monarchs were not above the law. King John I “Great Charter” monarchs were not above the law. kings had to consult a council of advisors. kings could not tax arbitrarily. Legal rights of individuals protected
The Beginnings of the British Parliament Great Council: middle class merchants, townspeople [burgesses in Eng., bourgeoisie in Fr., burghers in Ger.] were added at the end of the 13c. eventually called Parliament. (parler = “to talk”)- given power to tax (power over monarch) by 1400, two chambers evolved: House of Lords nobles & clergy. House of Commons knights and burgesses.
The Rise of European Monarchies: France
Gothic Architectural Style Pointed arches. High, narrow vaults. Thinner walls. Flying buttresses. Elaborate, ornate, airier interiors. Stained-glass windows. “Flying” Buttresses
Pope Urban II: Preaching a Crusade 1095 Calls on Europeans to join Christian crusade to recapture Palestine, Jerusalem from Muslims 200 years of religious wars ensue- Christians vs. Muslims 1099 Christians capture Jerusalem, massacre Jews, Muslims Within 100 years, Muslims regain land- bloody religious war goes on Leaves legacy of mistrust, hatred
Setting Out on Crusade
Christian Crusades: East and West
Medieval Universities EDUCATION Church and Gov’t need educated people Political and economic conditions improving Mostly wealthy sons go to university
Oxford University
Late Medieval Town Dwellings
Medieval Trade
Medieval Economy Improves Commercial Revolution: Merchants join together- pool funds= bigger business, more $ (corporations) Insurance- owners look to protect shipments, investments Banks hold money- doesn’t have to be carried on trade route
By the end of the Middle Ages Centralized governments are leading to stronger nations Trade is leading to increased economic opportunities, greater availability of goods, and the spread of technology Religion has become a dominant force in everyday life The struggle between secular and religious leaders for power has not been settled