Introduction

• By 500 AD, Germanic Invasions had all but destroyed the urban world of the Roman Empire– Trade Declined– Cities, bridges, and roads fell into disrepair and

disuse.– Law and Order Vanished, and education almost

disappeared– Money was no longer used– For most, life did not extend beyond the tiny villages

where they were born, lived and died– Dark Ages

Dark Ages

• Western Europe was so backward because of this decline that the early part of this period was once called the Dark Ages

• Medieval- Latin for Middle Age– Transition between ancient and modern times

• Out of this violent medieval period, or Middle Ages, a dynamic civilization arose.– Combined elements classical and Germanic cultures

with Christian beliefs

Medieval Life Review

• Feudalism- highly decentralized form of government that developed in western Europe. Stressed alliances of mutual protection between monarchs and nobles of various degrees of power.– Land given to nobles in exchange for loyalty and

military aid• With the land came peasants to farm it• Nobles also had powers over land usually reserved for

governments

Medieval Church

• The decline of Rome led the church to assume many political and social tasks– Bishop of Rome, now the Pope, became the

strongest political leader in W. Europe.– The Pope claimed spiritual authority over all

Christians – After the fall of Rome…the church takes on

the central authority

Religious Role

• Church taught all were sinners

• Only way to receive grace was through sacraments

• Most people did not understand rituals– Priest spoke in Latin and most could not read

or write• Much was learned from statues, paintings and

stained glass windows that adorned most churches

Church teachings

• Super Huge Concept:

• There is heaven and there is hell

• Lead a good life and follow church laws and you will go to heaven

• Otherwise…How would you live your life if you knew you were going to one of these places when you died?

The Church in the Middle AgesSuper Huge Fact:• The Church was the single most powerful

organization in western Europe during the Middle ages

• Dominated peoples lives, from peasants to kings

Manorialism Feudalism

THE CHURCH

How did the Church get so powerful?

1. By being incredibly organized

2. By gaining wealth and political power, greater than some kings!

3. By spreading its teachings all over western Europe

Church Wealth

• Kings and nobles donated land or left it to the Church when they died

• Everyone tithed--paid taxes for services provided by Church

• Church became the biggest landowner

• Land=Wealth in the Middle Ages!!

Church organization

• Pope in Rome

• Archbishops (regions)

• Bishops (major cities)

• Priests (manors and villages)

• Monks and nuns (monasteries)– Religious community

Influence of Monastics

• Provided school for young

• Hospitals for sick

• Food for needy

• Some became missionaries

Power of Church

• Many Bishops and Abbots were nobles who received land

• Local lords began to control many church offices and lands- contrary to church tradition- appointing leaders– Signs of corruption

Importance of priests

• Priests were very important in spreading Christian teachings to every day people

• One on every manor• Made sure they were

following canon law —church laws that guided behavior

What did priests do?

• Mass on Sunday• Weddings and baptisms• Talk to villagers about their problems• Bury the dead• Heal the sick• Teach reading and writing• Collect tithes• Keep all village records

The Church in the Middle Ages

• Religion was a huge part of everyday life• People were Christian/Roman Catholic

• People were loyal to the Pope-- the head of the Roman Catholic Church

• Freedom of religion was not a huge concept

Church Reform

• Many devout Christians called for reforms– Began in monasteries

• Goal of reforms:– Free Church from control of feudal lords

• Reforms:– Pope would be chosen by cardinals– Pope would appoint bishops and other

officials

Fighting Heresy

• Pope Innocent III- condemned drunkenness, feasting, and dancing among clergy

• Stop spread of heresy (denial of basic church teachings)– Convert first/ crush later

The Inquisition

• Court set up to seek out and punish heretics– Many accused without proof

• Punishments- prison or death• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZegQYgygdw• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tym0MObFpTI