Medieval Synthesis Question

During the Medieval Period, about 800-1400 CE, there were huge transformations in art, religion, and government. These transformations led to a new class of people and the shift to a more equal distribution of wealth. For example, the government changed from an aristocracy toward feudalism. This change was prompted by the desire to claim land and build beautiful, extravagant castles in order to out due other counties. The building of these castles opened up many opportunities for common people to advance in society. People who were previously limited to either a life of farming and famine could now strive to hold more advanced jobs with higher income. Even though there were still blatant distinctions between the wealthy and powerful compared to the poorer social class, their differences were less drastic than in the Anglo-Saxon era.

The castles, the ostentatious masterpieces highlighted Christianity; the dominate religion of this era. With the adoption of Christianity in the Anglo-Saxon era, religious activists went a step further in the medieval era and started the Crusades, huge wars and battles defending their religion from Islam. Another example of their emphasis on Christianity was in their art and architecture. Their castles were built with pointed tipped roofs, which symbolized the heavenliness, immortality, and sacredness of their flawless god. They also interpreted their religion through other forms of art, including sculptures, paintings, stained glass, mosaics, and many other mediums. In these pieces, artists would capture the pureness of religion and the sacredness and stability of it. Overall, the transformation from Anglo-Saxon to the Medieval era evoked much need change in government and society that was fueled by their new emphasis on Christianity.

Period 1 Wylie, Team 4

Claire West, Danny Shapiro, Ivy Arbolado, Edward Tyler