Medieval European History Study Notes PDF

Medieval Europe Introduction to mediaeval europe The Transformation of Europe The Fall of the Roman Empire ○ The decline of Western Rome Leads to the Dark Ages ○ Chaos and violence with limited resources and education Rise of New Powers ○ The Moors in Spain con...

Medieval Europe Introduction to mediaeval europe The Transformation of Europe The Fall of the Roman Empire ○ The decline of Western Rome Leads to the Dark Ages ○ Chaos and violence with limited resources and education Rise of New Powers ○ The Moors in Spain contribute to cultural achievements ○ Charlemagne’s efforts disrupted by Viking invasions Feudal System and Society ○ Established of feudalism with kings, lords and peasants ○ The Church’s influence through indulgences and sacraments The Crusades and their impact ○ Pope Urban calls for Crusades to reclaim the Holy Land ○ Resulted in violence against muslims and jews, shaping towns and trade. Towns and Guilds ○ Emergence of towns with wealthy merchants and guilds ○ Poor living conditions leading to high mortality rates The Magna Carta and Rights ○ The magna carta signed in 1215 empowering the people ○ Foundation for future right and the bill of rights. The Black Death and wars ○ The black death devastates Europe killing half the population. ○ The Hundred Years’ War between France and England. Conclusion of Middle Ages ○ The middle ages end in 1453 marking a shift in european history ○ Transition to the renaissance a period of cultural rebirth Extent and Key Sites The Psalter Map Overview ○ One of the best surviving examples of a mediaeval mappa Mundi (the compendium of all the geographical knowledge of the time) ○ Illustrated map drawn on animal skin and bound in a tiny book of prayers Worldview ○ Represents the world through the eyes of the 13th-century Christian Church ○ Garden of Eden depicted at the highest point (East) Imagery and Symbolism ○ Christ Depicted as the overseer of humanity with vivid red pigment and gold leaf ○ T-shaped orb shows holding the world Biblical Stories ○ Contains dozens of Old Testament stories (e.g., Gog and Magog, Moses parting the Red Sea) ○ The New Testament focuses on Jerusalem at the centre. Mediaeval Anxiety ○ 14 humanoid figures on the outer edge of Africa symbolise fears of unknown lands ○ Religion prevails over fact, guiding readers toward spiritual enlightenment Mapa Mundi Overview ○ Largest surviving map created around 1300 ○ Resides in hereford Cathedral ○ Over a thousand inscriptions and painted scenes illustrate creation. ○ jerusalem is the centre, with continents depicted differently. ○ Features legendary creatures and outlandish customs around the edges. ○ Most important parts in the upper right hand section.  ○ The map is not only a geographical tool but also a narrative of biblical stories, showcasing humanity’s spiritual journey and the intertwining of faith and knowledge. ○ Christ sits on top to look over everyone. Doomsday Book Overview ○ Used to record land ownings from king WIlliam the I ○ Can be used to show if you owned land and which land is assigned to you to farm work on Why is it named “the doomsday Book? ○ After God's final Day of Judgement, when every soul would be assessed and against which there could be no appeal Every day life of men, women and children Life on a manor Overview ○ About 90% of the population lived and worked in small villages on a lord's manor lands ○ A nobleman might be the lord of several manors which he taxed ○ The lord would stay in the manor house when he was in the area ○ There was also a church, usually the only stone building Daily Life ○ Peasants lived in small cottages with gardens where they grew vegetables and kept chicken. ○ There was common land that peasants could graze cattle and sheep on. ○ Surrounding the peasants' huts were three farming fields. ○ Water sometimes came from a well or a nearby river. ○ A mill for grinding grains and corn would be located on the river. Occupations and roles of people living on a feudal manor ○ Steward: Appointed by the lord of the manor. Keeps accounts, presides at manor courts when the lord is away, and organises farm work. ○ Bailiff: Appointed by the lord. Manages farm work in the village.  ○ Reeve: Elected peasant, annually. Ensures timely work and duties, collects proper share of produce for the lord. ○ Gamekeeper: Patrols forests near the manor. Ensures peasants do not hunt there. ○ Miller: Grinds grain and corn in the lord's mill. Keeps a portion as payment. ○ Parish Priest: Appointed by the lord. Runs parish church services and collects tax (tithe) from villagers. ○ Hayward: Responsible for crops and preventing animal damage. ○ Cowherd: Looks after cows during the day. Fined if cows stray into croplands. ○ Swineherd: Looks after villagers' pigs. Collects and returns pigs daily. ○ Thatcher: Makes roofs from reeds. ○ Peasants and Serfs: Plough fields with oxen and sow seeds. Farm their own strips of land and tend livestock. Serfs: build roads, care for stables, blacksmithing, laundry, crafts (spinning, weaving). Peasant women: cook, spin and weave, grow vegetables, keep chickens, and work in fields during busy times. Everyday Life Highlights ○ Majority of people lived in rural villages, focusing on agriculture. ○ Daily life was heavily influenced by the church and religious practices. ○ Lords rarely resided in villages, leaving management to stewards and bailiffs. ○ Villagers were self-sufficient, producing their own food, clothing, and tools. ○ The Black Death led to significant social changes and higher demands from surviving peasants. ○ Seasonal work and religious feast days provided opportunities for rest and celebration. ○ Following the plague, many villages fell into disrepair due to population decline.  Key Insights ○ Seasonal Labour: Agricultural activities were dictated by the seasons, showcasing how intertwined village life was with nature and the agricultural calendar. ○ Feudal Structure: The presence of lords and the feudal system defined social hierarchies, impacting how peasants interacted with their environment and resources. ○ Self-Sufficiency: Villagers produced most of what they needed, contrasting with urban areas that relied on rural resources, demonstrating a sustainable lifestyle. ○ Social Change Post-Plague: The Black Death drastically changed social dynamics, empowering peasants to demand better conditions, reflecting shifts in societal value. ○ Religious Influence: The church played a pivotal role in daily life, shaping moral, social, and temporal structures, showing the profound impact of faith on community cohesion. ○ Decline of Villages: The aftermath of the plague saw many villages deserted, indicating how demographic changes can reshape societal structures and local economies. Peasant Diet Staples: ○ Bread made from barley or rye was the primary food source. ○ Porridge from oats or grains, often mixed with vegetables. ○ Seasonal vegetables like cabbage, onions, and leeks. Protein Sources: ○ Limited access to meat; mainly ate fish on certain days. ○ Poultry (chickens, ducks) raised for eggs and occasional meat. ○ Legumes such as peas and beans provided additional protein. Beverages: ○ Ale was a common drink, safer than water. ○ Cider and mead were also popular in some regions. ○ Occasionally consumed buttermilk or whey from dairy. Manor Lord Diet Variety of Foods: ○ More diverse meals including bread made from wheat. ○ Roasted meats such as beef, venison, and game birds. ○ Rich stews and pies filled with vegetables and meats. Spices and Herbs: ○ Used herbs and spices like pepper, saffron, and cinnamon, which were rare for peasants. ○ Flavored dishes with garlic, onion, and parsley.  ○ Sweet dishes with honey and dried fruits were enjoyed. Feasts and Banquets: ○ Grand feasts featuring multiple courses, including elaborate dishes. ○ Desserts like pastries, tarts, and fruit compotes served. ○ Wine and ale were typically consumed during meals, with different varieties for special occasions. Children Overview ○ Children of peasants helped with farm work ○ They had small jobs like chasing birds away or picking up stones ○ Children did not usually go to school, though some received basic schooling from the local priest ○ Boys began working the lord's land from the ages of 12-14 ○ Girls would learn sewing and cooking skills ○ Some children were sent away to be servants at a lord's house Cultural, economic and political features Heraldry Definition: ○ The system of designing and displaying coats of arms and emblems. Components: ○ Shields: The central element featuring symbols and colors. ○ Supporters: Figures or animals placed on either side of the shield. ○ Crest: The emblem or figure atop the shield, often representing the family or organization. ○ Motto: A phrase that conveys the values or beliefs of the bearer. Colors and Tinctures: ○ Common colors: Red (gules), blue (azure), green (vert), black (sable), and white (argent). ○ Metals: Gold (or) and silver (argent) used to signify nobility and purity. ○ Patterns: Stripes, checks, and other designs to distinguish different families. Symbolism: ○ Animals: Lions, eagles, and other creatures often symbolize strength and courage. ○ Plants: Oak leaves, roses, and other flora represent various virtues or regions.  ○ Objects: Tools, weapons, and other items indicate profession or historical significance. Usage: ○ Displayed on shields, banners, and official documents. ○ Used to signify rank, lineage, and territorial claims. ○ Important in military contexts, such as on uniforms and standards. Modern Heraldry: ○ Still practiced today by individuals, organizations, and nations. ○ Adapted for personal use, corporate branding, and civic identity. ○ Continues to evolve while maintaining traditional elements. Magna Carta Definition: ○ A charter agreed upon in 1215 that limited the powers of the king and established certain legal rights. Historical Context: ○ Signed by King John of England at Runnymede on June 15, 1215. ○ Resulted from conflicts between the king and rebellious barons over heavy taxation and arbitrary rule. Key Provisions: ○ Established the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law. ○ Guaranteed the right to a fair trial and due process. ○ Limited the king’s ability to levy taxes without the consent of his barons. Impact on Governance: ○ Laid the foundation for the development of constitutional law. ○ Influenced later documents, including the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. ○ Encouraged the idea of a government accountable to the people. Legacy: ○ Considered a cornerstone of modern democracy and individual rights. ○ Celebrated in various legal and political traditions around the world. ○ Continues to be referenced in discussions about civil liberties and government authority. Roles and relationships of key groups Peasant ○ Typically worked the land for the lord. ○ Lived in small cottages with gardens. ○ Engaged in farming, tending livestock, and basic household duties.  Serf ○ A type of peasant bound to the land and the lord. ○ Required to work the lord's fields and provide labor. ○ Had limited rights and could not leave the manor without permission. King ○ The highest-ranking monarch in a kingdom. ○ Held ultimate authority over laws and governance. ○ Responsible for military leadership and protection of the realm. Queen ○ The female counterpart to the king, often his wife. ○ Could hold power in her own right or act as a regent. ○ Played roles in diplomacy and often involved in court politics. Priest ○ Religious leader responsible for spiritual guidance and church services. ○ Managed the parish and administered sacraments. ○ Collected tithes from the villagers for church support. Baron ○ Noble landowner, often granted land by the king. ○ Held local authority and managed estates. ○ Responsible for military service and support to the king. Lord/Lady ○ Title given to nobles with land and power. ○ Managed the manor and its inhabitants, including peasants and serfs. ○ Provided protection and governance in exchange for loyalty and service. Merchant ○ Engaged in trade, buying and selling goods. ○ Helped facilitate the exchange of products between towns and regions. ○ Played a key role in the economy and development of markets. Craftsman ○ Skilled worker specializing in a particular trade or craft. ○ Created goods such as tools, clothing, or furniture. ○ Often part of a guild, ensuring quality and fair trade practices. Knight ○ Mounted warrior serving a lord in exchange for land or protection. ○ Followed the code of chivalry, emphasizing honor and bravery. ○ Often trained from a young age in combat and courtly behavior. Architecture What is gothic architecture? Overview A style that emerged in the 12th century and lasted into the 16th century. Characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. Key Features: Pointed arches allowed for taller structures and more light. Ribbed vaults enabled complex ceiling designs and better weight distribution. Flying buttresses provided external support, allowing for larger windows. Windows: Large stained glass windows depicted biblical scenes and filled interiors with light. Rose windows featured intricate designs, often found in cathedral facades. Notable Structures: Notre-Dame de Paris, an iconic example with its flying buttresses and detailed facade. Chartres Cathedral, famous for its stunning stained glass and harmonious proportions. Salisbury Cathedral, known for its tall spire and innovative use of space. Influence and Legacy: Influenced later architectural styles, including the Renaissance and Neoclassical. Continued to inspire modern architects in the design of cathedrals and public buildings. Represented religious and cultural aspirations during the Middle Ages.