The Middle Ages
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Transcript of The Middle Ages
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