ARCHITECTURE IN CATHEDRALS Chapter 6 Section 3 Culture in the Middle Ages ARCHITECTURE IN CATHEDRALS Romanesque Cathedral Roof formed from an arched stone vault Cathedral in the shape of a cross Gothic Cathedral Ribbed vaults and pointed arches Flying buttresses Thin walls and large stained glass windows

• The Gothic style of architecture first appeared in the twelfth century. • Gothic cathedrals are considered artistic and architectural triumphs. • Architects used technical innovations in the construction of Gothic churches. o The combination of ribbed vaults and pointed arches allowed for greater building height. o Flying buttresses distributed the weight of the ceiling outward and down, allowing for the insertion of stained glass windows.

II. INTELLECTUAL REVIVA Birth of the University First European universities Subjects and degrees Scholasticism and the study of theology

The great universities in the Middle Ages were magnets for students from far and wide. Sometimes the universities were organized into groups of students and teachers who had come from the same country. Universities enjoyed a good deal of independence—as long as nothing heretical was taught—but they also had to support themselves financially. Consequently, the teachers charged students fees; to retain their students (and the fees), teachers had to keep the students satisfied. This image shows the rector (president) of Prague University with students. Prague University was founded in 1348.

University Teaching in the Middle Ages The system of teaching in the Middle Ages is known as Scholasticism. It was based on the writings of earlier Catholic theologians and Aristotle, and it often focused on debating philosophical issues within the faith. Classroom teaching consisted of lectures, explanation of texts, discussions, and question/answer sessions. Typically, the school year was divided into two terms, with an exam given at the end of each.

The Rise of Vernacular Literature Literature as a new source of entertainment Features of troubadour poetry Especially Popular during the late 1100’s First written by knights and nobles Celebrated chivalry and courtly love Features of heroic epic poetry Also known as chanson de geste Described battles in which knights fought bravely to defend their king and lords

Geoffrey Chaucer known as the Father of English literature, is widely considered the greatest English poet of the Middle Ages and was the first poet to be buried in Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey He is best known today for The Canterbury Tales Chaucer's work was crucial in legitimizing the literary use of the Middle English vernacular at a time when the dominant literary languages in England were French and Latin.