The Crusades
Church and Politics Importance of the Church The kingdoms in Europe were tied by religion because nearly everyone was Christian. Because Christianity was so important in Europe, the Christian church gained a great deal of influence. The pope was the head of the church. The Crusades were the wars fought between the Christians and the MuslimsNew overgoods the Holy wereland. brought back and trade increased between Europe and Asia. The Christian Relations with Muslims Church worsened. Church and Art sculptors Painters and and Society used religious subjects in their works. Most music and literature centered on religious themes. Greatest examples of religious art were church buildings. Gothic architecture is known for its high pointed ceilings, tall towers, stained glass windows. Church and Daily Life Most people worshipped at small local churches. Markets, festivals, ceremonies all took place at the church. Local priests advised people how to live. People could not read or write, they depended on the church to keep records.
Role of Church in Middle Ages Never was there a time when the Church was so powerful in Western Civilization. The Church was led by popes. Priests and nuns converted, gave care to people
Role of Church Monks were spiritual leaders (obviously) They lived in monasteries that acted like trade schools and YMCAs
Role of Church They spent years transcribing the Bible since the printing press wasn t used in Europe yet.
Churches and Cathedrals during the Middle Ages
History of Stained Glass Stained glass, considered a precious object, was linked in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries to the aesthetics of precious stones and metalwork; it therefore received a place of honor in the building that housed it.
Stained glass was viewed as the light that is strongly associated in the Christian religion as holy or God-like.
These transparent tapestries carry messages about the history of salvation and were used to tell stories, allow parents to teach children simple lessons, help theologians explain complex lessons, enable worshippers to focus on images as they meditate or pray and, of course they light a dark church in a
Glass was made from one part river sand and two parts from the pot-ash from dried beech-wood. How were different colors created? Well, you may not have thought about it before, but stained glass workers were chemists. Colors were created from different elements. The famous medieval blues were obtained from cobalt oxide, ruby red from copper oxide, green from iron oxide, and yellow from soot or sulfur.
What are Rose Windows? Rose windows are particularly characteristic of Gothic architecture and may be seen in all the major Gothic Cathedrals of Northern France. Their origins are much earlier and rose windows may be seen in various forms throughout the Medieval period. Their popularity was revived, with other medieval features, during the Gothic revival of the 19th century so that they are seen in Christian
Rheims Cathedral
Role of Church Since there were no strong empires or kingdoms the Church was one organization that had respect and power. Popes were more powerful than kings!
Crusades The Crusades were a series of battles between Christians and Muslims in the Middle East. Christian knights wanted to take the Holy Land and give it back to Christians
Why was Constantinople so important geographically?
Crusades Thousands of knights and barbarian soldiers united under Christianity attacked Muslims and Jews in Turkey and Jerusalem to gain the land for Christians.
The Crusades There were a total of 7 Crusades First Crusade began in 1095. Last one ends in 1272 Crusaders marched to Constantinople killing and looting along the way Crusaders take Jerusalem in 1099 Need Second Crusade to hold it Jerusalem falls to Muslims in 1187 Fourth Crusade to retake; sack Constantinople
Impact of the Crusades Persecution of Jews and Muslims Economic development via trade Kings and popes, gained power as a result.