Medieval Europe and the Rise of Feudalism

King Charlemagne and Stability

• Charlemagne's rise brought order to Europe
• Not a return to Roman Empire standards, but provided a sense of security
• Systems became more codified
• Feudalism became the set societal organization

Structure of Feudalism

• Majority: Farmers and peasants
• Knights: Protectors
• Nobility and Church: Managers
• King: Claims authority from God, certified by Pope
• Church: Central social framework

Mobility and Hereditary Roles

• Early medieval period allowed mobility in social roles
• High Middle Ages brought hereditary roles
  • Stability but lack of social mobility
  • Potential for abuse of power

The Role and Power of Knights

• Knights could abuse power against peasants and nobles
• Needed a cultural framework: Chivalry

Chivalry

• Moral use of power and strength
• Protect the vulnerable, serve right
• Promoted across medieval culture
• Still influences ideas of knights today

Troubadours and Cultural Promotion

• Traveling entertainers spreading the idea of chivalry
• Songs and stories promoting noble ideals, e.g., Song of Roland
• Cultural norm creation, rooted in Christian morality

Role of the Church

• Promotes morality across feudal system levels
• Offers promise and threat of divine reward or punishment
• Churches serve as a representation of heaven's promise

Architectural Developments

Romanesque Basilicas

• Modeled after Roman architecture, with rounded arches
• Strong but dark due to thick walls

Influence of Plato and Neo-Platonism

• Monks influenced by Plato’s writings
• Light symbolizes God, beauty leads to God

Gothic Cathedral Innovations

• Need for light and open space led to architectural changes
  • Flying Buttresses: External supports for walls
  • Ribbed Vaults: Distributes weight to specific points

Importance of Gothic Cathedrals

• Serve as worship places and community hubs
• Educational centers through art and symbolism
• Attract tourism and guarantee economic future
• Embody the cultural ideals and hopes of society

Summary

Gothic cathedrals represent the artistic and cultural hub of medieval communities. They not only were places of worship but also educational and economic centers, inspiring hope and exemplifying societal values.