Transcript Medieval Europe Lecture

MEDIEVAL EUROPE
The East-West divide
WESTERN EUROPE
• By 500 ce, Roman Empire had fallen to
Germanic tribes and invasions
• People became dependent on each other and
a MANORIAL SYSTEM
developed
MANORIAL SYSTEM
• A reciprocal system of obligations
• Serfs worked the land and received
protection, land and housing
• Created 3-field system
• SELF-SUFFICIENCY
Feudalism
A political, economic, and social
system based on loyalty and
military service.
Romanesque Architectural Style
e Rounded Arches.
e Barrel vaults.
e Thick walls.
e Darker, simplistic interiors.
e Small windows, usually at the top of the wall.
Carcassonne: A Medieval Castle
WESTERN CHURCH
• The church was the only organization that
kept Europe together – POPE in ROME
• Investiture Controversy – who will control
ecclesiastical appointments– it’s a conflict
between Popes and Kings
• Monasticism – monastaries:
places of literary learning
FEUDAL SOCIETY
• Muslims found the Europeans to be
backwards (when met during Crusades)
• Jewish communities were hurt – stereotypes
• New technologies (horse collar, three-field
system, new plow) and fewer raids =
population growth = economic innovation &
towns from 900 onwards
POLITICS
• In early Middle Ages – Kings were very weak
A “new” Roman Empire were attempted:
a) Charlemagne
b) Holy Roman emperors
1100-1200 - CRUSADES
EASTERN EUROPE - BYZANTINE
• BYZANTINE EMPIRE: in some ways started
with Constantinople – a vibrant city
• When Roman Empire fell, Byzantine continued
to ward off invaders (Huns, Sassanian, etc…)
• Justinian achievements
contrast with fall
BYZANTINE SOCIETY & PARALLELS
• Women confined to homes, wore veils
(compare to Islam)
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United language of Greek – scholars! (W. Europe)
Emperor was ordained by God (China)
Bureaucrats recruited from all classes (China)
Peasant class important to keeping capital fed
Beautiful religious mosaics and icon paintings
EASTERN ORTHODOX SCHISM
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Why?
Different rituals developed
Emperors resented papal control
Bread with yeast & celibacy for priests
- BREAK in late 12th century
RUSSIA
• Kievian Russia developed around Kiev
• Vladimir I of Novgorod chose Eastern
Orthodox Christianity 980 ce
• Stayed Eastern Orthodox even during Mongols
(or Tartars as they were called in Russia)