Medieval Europe Review: Justinian, Hagia Sophia

• These are medieval Europe review notes

Emperor Justinian I

• Byzantine Emperor (527-565 CE)
• His aim was to restore the Roman Empire’s glory
• He created the Justinian Code, a legal system influencing future European law
• The emperor expanded the empire, reconquering parts of Italy, North Africa, and Spain
• He ordered the construction of Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture

Hagia Sophia

• Built in Constantinople as a grand church, then converted into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest
• It symbolized Byzantine power, culture, and religious influence
• Hagia Sophia is known for its massive dome, mosaics, and architectural innovation

Viking Trade Routes

• Vikings established trade routes linking Scandinavia, the Byzantine Empire, and the Middle East
• Vikings used rivers like the Dnieper and Volga to trade furs, honey, and slaves for silk, spices, and silver
• Major Viking trading centers included Kiev, Novgorod, and Constantinople

Bubonic Plague

• The bubonic plague killed 1/3 of Europe’s population, about 25 million people
• The plague led to labor shortages, higher wages, and the decline of feudalism
• It weakened the Catholic Church, as people lost faith in religious leaders
• This sparked peasant revolts due to economic struggles

Guilds

• Guilds were organizations of artisans and merchants that regulated trade and protected workers
• They controlled quality, prices, and training via an apprenticeship system
• Guilds gained political power in medieval towns

Spread of Christianity

• Missionaries like St. Patrick spread Christianity across Europe
• The Catholic Church sent monks to convert pagans
• Charlemagne and later kings enforced Christianity through laws and military campaigns

Gothic Cathedrals

• Pointed arches and ribbed vaults allowed for taller buildings
• Flying buttresses supported weight, allowing large windows
• Stained glass windows depicted biblical stories, educating illiterate people
• Gothic Cathedrals were centers of religion, culture, and economic activity.

The Crusades

• They increased trade between Europe and the Middle East (for spices, silk, and new technologies)
• The Crusades introduced Arabic numerals, medicine, and philosophy to Europe
• They weakened feudalism, as many knights died, and kings gained power

Motivations for the Crusades

• Religious reasons: The Pope promised forgiveness of sins
• Desire for land and wealth: Many hoped to gain riches in the Holy Land
• Adventure and glory: Some saw it as an exciting journey

Feudalism and Manorialism

• Feudalism: Kings granted land to lords in exchange for military service
• Manorialism: Peasants worked on self-sufficient estates (manors) owned by lords
• Medieval society was structured as Kings → Lords → Knights → Peasants (Serfs)

The Rus

• The Rus were a Viking-descended group that settled in present-day Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus
• They established trade routes with Byzantines and converted to Orthodox Christianity
• They founded major cities like Kiev and Novgorod

Medieval Inventions

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

Causes of the Bubonic Plague

• Caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, carried by fleas on rats
• The plague spread along trade routes (Silk Road & ships) from Asia to Europe

Medieval Reactions to the Plague

• Religious reasons: Many believed it was God’s punishment
• Blaming minorities: Jews were falsely accused of poisoning wells
• Flagellants: Groups that whipped themselves to seek forgiveness

Consequences of the Bubonic Plague

• Massive population decline (25-50% of people died)
• Collapse of feudalism as labor shortages gave peasants more bargaining power
• Weakened Church influence as prayers didn’t stop the plague

Progress or Decline?

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

Catholic Church’s Role

• The church provided spiritual guidance and education
• It controlled laws and politics; the Pope sometimes had more power than kings
• The church collected tithes (10% tax on income) from people
• Monasteries were built that preserved ancient knowledge

Ancient Rome vs. Medieval Europe

• Ancient Rome: Centralized empire with a strong army, large trade network, slave labor, polytheistic then Christian religion, grand cities, aqueducts, concrete roads, advanced education with schools and libraries
• Medieval Europe: Decentralized feudal system with local lords, manorial system, self-sufficient farming, dominated by Catholic Church, Gothic cathedrals, castles, walled towns, limited education mostly controlled by monasteries

Key Terms

• Goths: A Germanic tribe that invaded Rome
• Barbarians: Term used by Romans for non-Roman groups
• Byzantine Empire: The Eastern Roman Empire, ruled from Constantinople
• 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 (Pope, Bishops, Priests, Monks, etc.)
• Monastery: A place where monks lived and studied
• Tithe: A 10% tax given to the Church
• Crusades: Religious wars between Christians & Muslims for control of Jerusalem
• Reconquista: The Christian effort to drive Muslims out of Spain

Review notes covering key aspects of medieval Europe, including Emperor Justinian I and the Hagia Sophia. Also explores Viking trade routes linking Scandinavia, the Byzantine Empire, and the Middle East. These notes provide a concise overview of significant historical elements.