The Church

Medieval Europe

Three Estates of Medieval Society• Those who pray– The clergy of

the Roman Catholic Church

• Those who fight– Nobles

• Those who work– Peasants

The Medieval Catholic Church•It filled the void left from the collapse of Rome.•Monks follow Benedictine Rule•poverty, chastity, and obedience.•Provided schools for the children of the upper class.•Inns, hospitals, refuge in times of war.•Scriptorium used for copying books, manuscripts.•Served as missionaries to “barbarians”

A Medieval Monk’s Day

The Power of the Medieval Church•The church controlled about 1/3 of the land in Western Europe.•Stop heresies: crusades; Inquisition•Tithe: 10% of your assets•Peter’s Pence 1 penny per person [paid by the peasants].

A Medieval Monastery:The Scriptorium

Illuminated Manuscripts

Gothic Architectural Style•Pointed arches.•High, narrow vaults.•Thinner walls.•Flying buttresses.•Elaborate & airier interiors.•Stained-glass windows.

How did stained glass develop?• Stained glass added light and beauty to

the cathedrals.• They also served as a teaching tool about

historical religious events.