Cathedrals and Churches in Europe

1. Describe what is in your picture. Be as specific as possible.

2. What would be necessary to construct these churches and cathedrals?

3. What do these churches and cathedrals tell you about the church in medieval Europe?

The Medieval Church and the Crusades

Why was the Church Powerful?

• Church filled the “power vacuum” after the fall Roman Empire

• Everyday lives were difficult, church offered path to salvation

• Church gave people a sense of security and belonging

• United people from different social classes, education, and genders.

Religion

Rituals •Baptism, communion, marriage, and confession, everyone participated in them

• Idea that the Pope has total authority over the Church and Rulers

• Declared by Pope Gregory VII around 1075

• Pope becomes God’s representative on Earth

What was Papal Primacy?

“That the Roman Church was founded by God alone.”

Religion: Papal Primacy

“That the Roman pope alone has the right to be called universal.”

Religion: Papal Primacy

“That he alone can remove or reinstate bishops.”

Religion: Papal Primacy

“That all princes shall kiss the feet of the pope alone.”

Religion: Papal Primacy

“That his name alone shall be spoken in the churches.”

Religion: Papal Primacy

“That his is the only name in the world.”

Religion: Papal Primacy

“That it may be permitted to the pope to depose emperors.”

Religion: Papal Primacy

“That the pope may be judged by no one.”

Religion: Papal Primacy

What were the Crusades?

• Crusades – a series of expeditions in which Medieval Christians sought to recover control of the Holy Land from Muslims (1096-1291)

• Pope Urban II, calls for the 1st Crusade

What Caused Pope Urban II to call for the Crusades?

• Byzantine empire is rapidly losing land to Muslims

• Pilgrimages to holy places are popular and access to Jerusalem is threatened

• Non religious reasons:– Opportunity to get rid of quarrelsome knights– Merchants attempt to control trade routes

A Letter from Pope Urban II

1. What is the overall mood of this letter?

2. What are 2 examples of what Muslims have done in the holy lands?

3. What does Pope Urban II guarantee to those that participate in the Crusades?

4. If you were a serf during this time would you want to go on a Crusade? Why or Why not?

What Happened during the Crusades?

• 1st Crusade (1095-1101)– 25,000 to 30,000

Christians– Plundered and slaughtered

Jews and Muslims– Regained Jerusalem

• 2nd Crusade (1145-47)– Jerusalem lost to Saladin,

Muslim commander

• 8 Total Crusades, only the first is successful

What were the Effects of Crusades?

• Women enjoyed freedom and responsibility managing affairs at home

• Stimulated trade and growth of towns– Demand for unique products (spices, sugar, silk)

• Begins breakdown of feudal system– Weaker nobles and pope, stronger kings– Rise of cities weakens serfdom

• Encourages learning– Europeans rediscover Greek texts

• Establishes distrust between Muslims and Christians that continues to today.