The Middle AgesAn Overview

Alaric I at the Sack of Rome (410)

a violent, dangerous world

I. Effects of the collapse of Roman Civilization

Decline of trade and cities (de-urbanization)

Loss of literacy and a common language

Personal ties replaced the concept of citizenship

Christianity spread and emerged as the only unifying element Missionaries (St. Patrick, Augustine of

England) Political “conversions” (Clovis) Monastic life (Benedictine Rule)

Charlemagne: First Holy Roman Emperor

II. Feudal Society: Reciprocity

“Estates” Those who work (serfs and

burghers) Those who fight Those who pray

Lords and vassals Serfdom

Knights

Serfs

Monks and Nuns

Christendom

Hell was very Real

“How can we avoid going there?”

Obsession with sin, salvation and the final judgment

Religions in the West 1200 AD

III. Problems in the Church: Simony and Worldly Lives of the

Clergy

The Investiture Controversy Who is more

powerful, pope or emperor?

Who should appoint (invest) bishops?

Henry IV begging at Canossa

Problem: Heresy.

Solution: INQUISITION

Pope Urban II wants more power for the Church,

preaches the 1st Crusade

The “threat” of Islam

First Crusade to “free” the Holy Land

Map 9.2: The First Crusade, 1096–1098 (p. 354)

Siege of Jerusalem

IV. Effects of the Crusades on Europe

New military technique and technology. New ideas to use on each other

(100 years war) Strengthened the power of kings

and the middle class Exchange of ideas and goods

Revival of trade

Death comes for everyone…

Death is Coming… 1348-1500

Bubonic Plague

V. The Babylonian Captivity and the Great Schism

Babylonian Captivity (1309-1377) Papal seat moved to Avignon, France Suspicion of French control over the

Church Great Schism (1378-1417)

Mutual excommunication by French and Italian popes

Two series of popes until 1417 Resulted in suspicion of popes and

the church generally.

End