The Middle AgesSWBAT: Explain what life was like for those living during the Middle Ages and how the Black Plague ushered in the period known as the Renaissance.

Homework: Syllabus Contract

Do Now: Read Boccaccio’s description of the Black Death and summarize the account in 1-2 sentences.

The Middle Ages

describes Europe between the fall of Rome in 476 CE and the beginning of the Renaissance in the 14th century.

Characterized by several key characteristics: Power of the church Lack of interest in culture and acquiring knowledge Black Death

Power of the church

From birth to death, whether you were a peasant, a serf, a noble a lord or a King - life was dominated by the church.

Constant struggle to save yourself from damnation.

Made laws and owned lands.

Wealthy both from taxes it collected and tithing from parishioners.

Tithing = 10% of your pay.

able to influence the kings and rulers of Europe.

Loss of Knowledge and appreciation of the Arts

As church power grows, biblical texts become the center of education.

Limited to the clergy. Education becomes about reading Latin and

understanding the Bible.

Art becomes used mainly for religious purposes.

Loss of technique and realism.

Roman Art Middle Ages ArtVs.

The Black Death

1348–50

Fleas carried the disease who lived on the rats of ships.

Sailors would contract the disease and spread it as they entered new ports.

the Black Death is estimated to have killed 30–60% of Europe's total population

http://www.history.com/topics/black-death/videos#life-after-people-plague

Black Death Spreads

http://wadsworth.cengage.com/history_d/templates/student_resources/0534627218_spielvogel/spielvogel_maps/swfs/map11_1.html

Peter Bruegel (the elder) "Triumph of Death" 

Boccaccio Questions

Where did the disease start?

How did the disease manifest and how long did it take for it to kill you?

Between March and July of 1348, how many people died?

Are there any benefits of a disease of this nature?

The Black Death brings new life

When large numbers of people die at once:

Land suddenly becomes available. What does this allow the poor to do?

Food is no longer scarce. People are needed for jobs.

What does this allow job seekers to do? Prices drop Medicine becomes of increased interest. Religion is questioned.

Which ultimately leads us to the…

Renaissance!

Exit Slip

During the Middle Ages, doctors in Venice would often wear masks like the one on the right. Why might they have chosen to design the mask as such?