MEDIEVAL CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENTSLiterature

Architecture and ArtRoman InfluenceThe Gothic TraditionLife was very chaotic during the Dark Ages. People concentrated on protecting themselves from invasions and taking care of their own physical needsToward the end of Middle Ages, as Europe stabilizes, society begins to make gains in the fields of Literature, Art and Architecture

LANGUAGE AND LITERATUREAlthough the language of scholars was Latin, new stories began to appear in everyday languages of the people.Literature included stories of knights and feudal lords as well as common peopleAuthors like Dante and Chaucer wrote stories about warrior heroes and oridinary people who showed courage, humor and morality

ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS

ARCHITECTURE AND ARTArchitecture and art focused on glorifying GodMost art was a reflection of the power of the churchDuring late Middle Ages money from trade begins to contribute to the great works of architecture and art

ROMAN INFLUENCEIn 1000, towns began to build stone churches that reflected the influenceof Rome.

THE GOTHIC TRADITIONThe Gothic style of architectureappeared in Europe in the early1100s.

These new buildings, unlike RomanArchitecture, seemed to soar upwards

Gothic style was characterized bypointed arches and flying buttresses,stone supports that stood outside thebuilding.

The Gothic cathedral forms a total experience that we can still understand today.

Gothic is considered urban since many churches of this style were built in towns

The Cathedral of Amiens serves as an example. Begun in 1220 by the architect Robert de Luzarches, the facade of Amiens is dominated, like St. Denis, by two towers

Interior of a Gothic style Cathedral

ENGLAND: GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL 1089

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris 1163-1250

A Viking "Bearded Axe" ca. 1000 (top) and a German Horsemans Axe ca. 1100 (bottom)

The proliferation of plate armor across Medieval Europe was shadowed by the development of crushing weapons like the war hammer. Since swords were virtually useless against plate armor, mounted knights used short hammers, axes and maces to defeat an opponent's improved protection.

This Zinc Plated Chain Mail Shirt was difficult to produce in its time, yet was greatly desired for its protective qualities.

The flail was an early agricultural implement that was used to separate grain. However, it was soon discovered that it was also excellent for bashing people. Most flails were two handed, but it wasn't long before a smaller version was in use. The spiked flail has been a favorite of movies, books, legends, and people in general for many, many years. For one thing, it simply looks ferocious and intimidating.

The mace, a short club like weapon with a flanged head, was a symbol of rank and status as well as an effective weapon against plate and mail armour. Unlike the sword or axe, the mace was easy to use, very tough and did not require sharpening. The morning star is similar to the mace however it typically has longer and sharper spikes

The Medieval crossbow spent a long time as a dominant weapon in the middle ages. It had several advantages. It could be used by relatively untrained soldiers with good results. It also was a very fine ranged weapon in that it could penetrate armor from distances up to 200 yards.

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