Medieval Europe: Justinian I, Hagia Sophia, Vikings

• Medieval Europe: Review Notes

Emperor Justinian I

• Ruled the Byzantine Empire from 527-565 CE.
• Sought to revive the Roman Empire's former greatness.
• Created the Justinian Code, a legal framework that impacted later European law.
• Expanded the empire by reclaiming areas of Italy, North Africa, and Spain.
• Commissioned the construction of Hagia Sophia, a pinnacle of Byzantine architectural achievement.

Hagia Sophia

• Originally constructed in Constantinople as a magnificent church.
• It was later transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest.
• Represented Byzantine power, culture, and religious influence.
• Notable for its immense dome, mosaics, and groundbreaking design.

Viking Trade Routes

• Vikings formed trade routes connecting Scandinavia, the Byzantine Empire, and the Middle East.
• Utilized rivers such as the Dnieper and Volga to exchange furs, honey, and slaves for silk, spices, and silver.
• Key trade hubs were Kiev, Novgorod, and Constantinople.

Bubonic Plague's Impact

• Resulted in the death of approximately one-third of Europe's population, about 25 million people.
• Caused labor shortages, increased wages, and the decline of feudalism.
• Weakened the Catholic Church as people lost confidence in religious leaders.
• Triggered peasant uprisings due to economic difficulties.

Guilds in Medieval Towns

• Guilds were associations of artisans and merchants that governed trade and protected workers' interests.
• They regulated quality, prices, and training through an apprenticeship system.
• They acquired political influence within medieval towns.

Christianity's Spread

• Missionaries, including St. Patrick, propagated Christianity throughout Europe.
• The Catholic Church dispatched monks to convert pagan populations.
• Charlemagne and subsequent rulers enforced Christianity through legislation and military actions.

Gothic Cathedrals

• Characterized by pointed arches and ribbed vaults, enabling the construction of taller structures.
• Flying buttresses provided support, allowing for large windows.
• Stained glass windows served to illustrate biblical narratives, educating the illiterate.
• Served as hubs for religion, culture, and economic activity.

Crusades' Influence

• Increased trade between Europe and the Middle East, involving spices, silk, and new technologies.
• Introduced Arabic numerals, medicine, and philosophy to Europe.
• Weakened feudalism due to the loss of knights and the increased power of kings.

Motivations for Crusades

• Religious reasons, with the Pope promising forgiveness of sins.
• Desire for land and wealth in the Holy Land.
• Pursuit of adventure and glory.

Feudalism and Manorialism

• Feudalism was a political structure where kings granted land to lords for military service.
• Manorialism was the economic system where peasants worked on lord-owned, self-sufficient estates (manors).
• Society was structured as Kings → Lords → Knights → Peasants (Serfs).

The Rus

• A group of Viking descent who settled in present-day Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
• They established trade routes with Byzantines and converted to Orthodox Christianity.
• They founded important cities like Kiev and Novgorod.

Medieval Inventions

• Heavy plow and horse collar improved farming efficiency.
• Windmills and watermills increased efficiency in grain grinding.
• Mechanical clocks aided in regulating daily life in towns.
• Eyeglasses and universities expanded knowledge and learning.

Bubonic Plague

• Caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, transmitted by fleas on rats.
• Spread from Asia to Europe via trade routes.

Medieval Reactions to the Plague

• People believed it was a divine punishment.
• Jews were falsely accused of poisoning wells.
• Flagellants whipped themselves to atone for sins.

Consequences of the Plague

• Massive population decline (25-50% mortality rate).
• Collapse of feudalism due to labor shortages.
• Weakened Church influence due to the ineffectiveness of prayers.

Middle Ages: Progress or Decline?

• Arguments for Progress: Growth of trade, towns, and universities, advancements in architecture, science, and governance.
• Arguments for Decline: Frequent wars, plagues, feudal oppression, and limited rights/education for most people.

Catholic Church's Role

• Provided spiritual guidance and education.
• Influenced laws and politics.
• Collected tithes (10% tax).
• Preserved ancient knowledge in monasteries.

Rome vs. Medieval Europe

• Government
  • Ancient Rome: Centralized empire
  • Medieval Europe: Decentralized feudal system
• Economy
  • Ancient Rome: Large trade network, slave labor
  • Medieval Europe: Manorial system, self-sufficient farming
• Religion
  • Ancient Rome: Polytheistic, then Christian
  • Medieval Europe: Dominated by Catholic Church
• Architecture
  • Ancient Rome: Grand cities, concrete roads
  • Medieval Europe: Gothic cathedrals, castles, walled towns
• Education
  • Ancient Rome: Advanced
  • Medieval Europe: Limited, controlled by monasteries

Key Terms & Definitions

• Goths: A Germanic tribe that invaded Rome.
• Barbarians: Term used by Romans for non-Roman groups.
• Byzantine Empire: The Eastern Roman Empire.
• Crusaders: Christian warriors fighting to reclaim the Holy Land.
• Feudalism: A political system based on land ownership and loyalty.
• Fief: Land given to a vassal in exchange for service.
• Serfs: Peasants who worked the land but couldn’t leave without permission.
• Guilds: Trade organizations that controlled business practices.
• Clergy: Church officials.
• Monastery: A place where monks lived and studied.
• Tithe: A 10% tax given to the Church.
• Crusades: Religious wars for control of Jerusalem.
• Reconquista: The Christian effort to drive Muslims out of Spain.

Review notes cover Emperor Justinian I and his impact on Byzantine law, architecture (Hagia Sophia), and territorial expansion. Viking trade routes connecting Scandinavia, the Byzantine Empire, and the Middle East are explored. Key trade hubs like Kiev and Novgorod are highlighted.