1. Medieval Period A.D. 500-1500 EUROPE IN THE MIDDLE AGES

2. Between the Classical (Greek & Roman) era and the Renaissance After the fall of the Roman Empire Christianity is official religion and undisputed authority (Charlemagne) Papacy set up in Rome In the middle of what?

3. Christian church is dominant power in Europe Most literature was oral Stories told through music Rise of Christian literature – heroic Saints Charlemagne is first emperor of the new Holy Roman Empire Early Middle Ages A.D. 500 - 900

4. King of the Franks First Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 800 Could not read Encouraged scholarship, education exploration, innovation, & architecture Development of writing in Latin Opened schools Died in 814 CHARLEMAGNE

5. Medieval Drama Feudalism is main system of economy and authority Classical Greek and Roman texts rediscovered Cathedrals are built New philosophy and scientific methods revolutionize medieval thought Most literature written during this time (A.D. 1100-1300) High Middle Ages A.D. 900-1300

7. Military system

8. Social systemWarfare was common Epics Romance (chivalry) Saint’s tales FEUDALISM

9. KING Provides money, army on demand Bestows land on his many Nobles NOBILITY Provides military service Bestows land on and protection on demand his many Knight KNIGHTS Provides military service Bestows land on and food on demand his many Vassals VASSALS Serves in the military Works on and manages land Provides place for Serfs to live PEASANTS/SERFS Pledge loyalty to vassals completely subject to vassal’s will HOW FEUDALISM WORKS

10. Feudal system begins to weaken Church has internal divisions Babylonian Captivity John Wycliffe urges church reforms in England Black Death ravages Europe (A.D. 1374) Many schisms: corruption & internal arguments (church splits) Crusades Late Middle Ages A.D. 1300-1500

11. Low literacy rate –distributed orally (Beowulf and Nibelungenlied) -Epics: long narrative poem about a hero Church discouraged literacy - strict control over knowledge and education Scriptures translated into Latin (Saint Jerome) Charlemagne encouraged literacy and innovation Literature in the Middle ages

12. Saint Augustine Beowulf is written down (700) Medieval drama Dante – Divine Comedy Chaucer – Canterbury Tales Sir Thomas Malory- Morte d’ Arthur Literature in the Middle Ages

13. Trouveres: French poets -Chasons de geste: “songs of heroic deeds” Chivalry: (Fr. “chevalier”) a military code of behavior -Fair to opponents, loyal to lord, honorable in all things -Helped to civilize brutal Middle Ages Medieval Romances & courtly love…deeds performed on behalf of a beautiful lady Troubadours: French poet-musicians -light, graceful lyrics on theme of courtly love -Lais: “song”…short stories with fairy-tale elements Literature in the Middle Ages

14. WHERE DID THE CHILDREN’S GAME/SONG “RING AROUND THE ROSY” COME FROM? TRIVIA:

15. Also called the Bubonic Plague One of the deadliest pandemics in history Killed an estimated 20-50 million people in Europe Increased prejudice of Jews, Muslims, and Lepers Modern scientists believe it was spread by Rats and Fleas Bring out your dead BLACK DEATH

16. A.D. 1096-1270 Christian church attempted to reign the Holy Land Opened trade routes to the East Accelerated development of villages and cities CRUSADES