Christianity and the Crusades in Medieval Europe

Introduction

• Overview of key developments in Medieval Europe:
  • Rise of Christianity
  • Role of Jesus
  • The Crusades

Timeline of Historical Terms

• BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini) / CE (Common Era)
• Middle Ages (600 - 1680) in Europe vs. India
  • Early Middle Ages: 700 - 1280
  • Later Middle Ages: 1280 - 1750

The Roman Empire

• Geographic overview:
  • Regions included: Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, parts of North Africa
  • Division into Western Roman Empire and Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire)

Western Roman Empire

• Predominantly Latin-speaking and traditional
• Ruined by barbarian invasions around 475 AD
• Gladiators as a significant part of culture

Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire)

• Predominantly Greek-speaking and less traditional
• Survived for nearly 1000 years longer than the Western Roman Empire

Decline of Empires

• Comparison of Roman Empire and Gupta Empire in India
• Rise of Arab civilization and Islam
• Socio-political changes:
  • Decline of trade and commerce
  • Rise of feudalism and serfdom

Life of Jesus and Christianity

• Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem (4 BC)
• Teachings and philosophies:
  • Emphasis on love, compassion, and simplicity
  • The significance of parables in his teachings
• Crucifixion and resurrection:
  • Good Friday (crucifixion) and Easter (resurrection)
  • Christmas (birth)
• Spread of Christianity through followers, notably Paul

Role of Constantine

• Legalization of Christianity under Edict of Milan (313 AD)
• Establishment of Constantinople as a major center of Christianity
• Influence of Christianity on governance and society
• Decline of the Western Roman Empire and rise of barbarian kingdoms

The Crusades

• Overview of the Crusades (11th-13th century)
  • Eight major crusades aimed at reclaiming Jerusalem
  • First Crusade (1096-1099): Christian forces capture Jerusalem
  • Subsequent Crusades: varied success and decline of Christian power

Important Crusades

• Second Crusade (1145): Failed attempt to capture Damascus
• Third Crusade (1187-1192): Led by Saladin; loss of Jerusalem
• Children’s Crusade (1212): Controversial movement of young people
• Fifth Crusade: Campaign against Egypt, ultimately unsuccessful
• Sixth Crusade: Peace treaty briefly returns Jerusalem to Crusaders
• Role of Mamluks in the decline of Crusader presence in the Holy Land

Impact of the Crusades

• Cultural exchange between Europe and the East:
  • Spread of knowledge in art, science, mathematics
  • Development of new trade routes
  • Strengthening of kings’ power and revenue systems

Monasteries and Learning

• Rise of monasteries as centers of discipline and learning
  • Focus on welfare, education, craftsmanship, and support for the needy
• Decline of monastic life post-Crusades and during the Renaissance

Reformation in the 16th Century

• Division within Christianity into Catholics and Protestants
• Influence of the Renaissance on the decline of monasticism

Conclusion

• Overall significance of Christianity and the Crusades in shaping Medieval Europe and its legacy today.