Chapter 11

Patterns of Medieval Life

(ca. 500–1300)

The Germanic Tribes

Origins and impact on Rome

Basic characteristics of Germanic society

Germanic law

Germanic literature: Beowulf

Germanic art and its influence

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Charlemagne and the Carolingian Renaissance

Establishment of the Holy Roman Empire Expansion of Christendom and removal of Muslim populations

Rebirth of Classical learning Charlemagne established schools and gathered learned teachers from throughout the known world

Illuminated manuscripts – miniscule scripting

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Early Medieval Culture

Disintegration of the Charlemagne EmpireThe emperor’s death in 814; empire divided briefly amongst three sons

Development of feudalism Weak administration opened the door for stronger influence from local lords

Culture of the feudal nobility

The literature of the feudal nobility: the Song of Roland

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The Norman Conquest and the Arts

The Bayeux Tapestry Technically an embroidery; a visual record of the conquest of England by William of Normandy

Castles and churches

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The Lives of Medieval Serfs

Serfs represented more than ninety percent of the population at the time

Owned no land and worked the estates of the wealthy lords in return for protection

Life centered around the manor or fief, which was largely self-sustaining

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The Christian Crusades

Attempts (some successful) of European Christians to push Muslim peoples from the eastern Mediterranean; especially Jerusalem

Largely economic foraging missions for the sons of wealthy lords who were not first-born beneficiaries of primogeniture

Ultimately opened trade and exchange of culture between the West and East

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The Medieval Romance and the Code of Courtly Love

To some degree inspired by the CrusadesA mode of literary entertainment, the medieval romance grew from rhymed verse to written prose in the vernacular languages of EuropeMost popular themes revolved around adultery involving King Arthur of England, Sir Lancelot, and Queen Guinevere Enhanced by the traveling troubadours – persons of noble birth who would recite lyric poetry

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The Rise of Medieval Towns

Usually located near highways or rivers and outside the walls of a fortified town or castle

Characterized by a permanent marketplace and the presence of craftsmen

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