Overview
This lecture challenges misconceptions about the Middle Ages, discusses its major historical divisions, and outlines key topics for future study relating to society, culture, and church development.
Common Misconceptions about the Middle Ages
- The Middle Ages are often portrayed comically and negatively in literature and media (e.g., Don Quixote, Monty Python).
- Popular views see the era as dirty, boring, backward, and superstitious, which is an oversimplification.
- The period actually saw important developments in hygiene, art, literature, and society.
Importance and Achievements of the Middle Ages
- Many modern interests and values have roots in the Middle Ages (e.g., literature, theology, architecture).
- Notable works include Beowulf, Canterbury Tales, stories of King Arthur and Robin Hood, and Dante’s Divine Comedy.
- Major theological and intellectual movements like scholasticism and church-state relations were shaped during this time.
- Significant figures and reform movements (e.g., Thomas Aquinas, John Wycliffe, Jan Hus) set the stage for the later Protestant Reformation.
Historians' Periodization of the Middle Ages
- The Middle Ages are divided into three main periods for study, though these are artificial categories.
- Early Middle Ages (500–1000 AD): Sometimes called the Dark Ages; characterized by fewer written sources, wars, and the rise of modern nations and vernacular languages.
- High Middle Ages (1000–1300 AD): Marked by flourishing art, literature, theology, the rise of scholasticism, stabilized kingdoms, and the Crusades.
- Latter Middle Ages (1300–1500 AD): Traditionally seen as decline, but now viewed as a time of change and continued development, leading up to the Reformation.
Key Topics for Further Study
- Rise of Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire.
- Formation of European nations post-Rome (e.g., Spain, England, Viking influences).
- Social institutions and everyday life: Black Death, war, marriage, social estates.
- Papal power, crises, and schisms within the church.
- The relationship between medieval society and the later Protestant Reformation.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Scholasticism — a medieval method of learning emphasizing logic and debate to understand theological issues.
- Feudalism — a social system where land was held in exchange for service or labor.
- Vernacular — everyday language spoken by ordinary people, as opposed to Latin.
- Crusades — religious wars initiated by Western Christians, mainly to reclaim the Holy Land.
- Papacy — the office and authority of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review class notes on Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire in preparation for next lecture.
- Reflect on your assumptions about the Middle Ages and consider how modern perspectives may shape your views.