Medieval Period

An Overview of the Middle Ages

• Control of most of Europe by the Catholic Church

• General lack of education and literacy among the common people

• Feudalism as the basis of society

•The beginning of Islam

•The Crusades

•The Black Death

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the largest organized group in the world was the Catholic Church.

Because of their organization and the lack of education of other people, the clergy became the most powerful social class of this time.

Through exploitation of the lack of knowledge and the prominence of superstitions, the Catholic Church in general, and the Pope specifically, were able to amass huge amounts of land and wealth, and were able to control most of Europe.

The Catholic Church was responsible for the destruction of many of the written works of Greek and Roman authors as well as much of the Greek and Roman arts and architecture.

This was done for the purpose of trying to eliminate the “pagan” beliefs of the Greeks and Romans. Many of the practices of these pagan cults were assimilated into the traditions of our religious holidays such as celebrations of Christmas, Easter, and Halloween.

What organization held the most power during the Middle Ages?

Why were the works of the Greeks and Romans destroyed?

Why was it to the church’s advantage to limit the teaching reading to the clergy?

Because of Catholic control, most of the surviving arts (written, visual, musical, and dance) of the period are sacred and religious in nature.

Gregorian chants are monophonic vocal works, historically performed during various Roman Catholic ceremonies. The scale of chant performance ranges from a lone soloist to a large choir. Usually by choirs of men and boys or a mix of men and women.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RCM2IeiB00

What can you say about the …melodyharmonyrhythmtoneformtempo dynamics

Epistle for the Solemn Mass of Easter Dayhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rRhsOsBbkE A

modern take on Gregorian Chants

Dance was a form of entertaining but many occasions brought upon the desire to celebrate and therefore dance. Dancing was a way for folks to interact with their friends and neighbors, visitors, family and partners.

Not only was dance used as physical expression but it was even used as a form of physical activity, usually after dinner to promote good digestion and bodily health.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAwGz3-2XXA

The transition from Roman art (which was very realistic) to the Byzantine style (which was highly stylized) happened early on (200-500 AD)

Awe-inspiring presentation of holy figuresSerene expressionsHalos (originated in Greek Art-Helios-God of the

Son)Single plane (very flat / 2D) highlighted flowing

robesMosaics and Murals were mostly found in churchesSubjects were biblical figures

Perspective, 3D, natural postures, physical realism

Using your notes, name one major reason the Catholic Church became the most powerful organization during the Middle Ages.

Each student will create their first or last name initial as an illuminated letter.

Criteria:Must use all space on 8.5x 11 piece of paperMust be colorfulLetter is decorated with objects that tell about themselves.Illuminated Letter is due tomorrow at the end of class. Everyone’s Illuminated letter will be hung up. No exceptions.