Thought of the Day

Yesterday we discussed peasant life in the Middle Ages. In 5 sentences, describe basic duties and responsibilities of the peasants.

Romanesque Architecture-11th & 12th centuries, large number of churches being built-Cathedrals built in basilica style

-rectangular building with flat wooden roof, then replaced with long, round, stone arched vaults (barrel or cross)

-Barrel and cross vault considered to be more beautiful than flat roof-Required massive pillars & walls to hold them up-Few windows (very dark)

Gothic Architecture-Built in 12th & 13th centuries-Replaced round barrel vault with ribbed vaults & pointed arches-Gave upward movement like the building was reaching to God-Gothic churches higher than Romanesque -Flying Buttress was a heavy, arched support of stone built onto side of walls (eliminated need for heavy walls)-Walls filled with stain glass-Religious scenes -Used natural light (symbol of divine light of God)

Black Death-Bubonic plague was most common form of black death-Spread by rats with fleas that had deadly bacteria-Merchants brought plague from Black Sea & spread -1/3 died (1347-1351)-No idea how it happened-People thought it was punishment from God-Anti-Semitism- hostility towards Jews-Trade declined (rise in price)-Change from serfdom

Hundred Years’ War-Began over the duchy (small area) of Gascony in France-King Edward III of England & King Philip VI of France wanted it; Philip seized it!-England’s war with France-Knights wanted to show skills-1st battle at Crecy; France had no battle plan & English archers attacked-Battle of Agincourt in 1415 where English knights attacked & killed 1,500 French noblemen-the cannon emerged because of the invention of gunpowder

Joan of Arc-It seemed like France was doomed, but Joan saved them-Deeply religious woman, said visions from saints told her to free France (17yrs old)-King Charles allowed her to accompany troops to Orleans-Englishmen captured Joan in 1430 & turned her over to the Inquisition for witchcraft-Condemned to death for heresy-War waged for 20yrs-French victory in 1453