The Church In Medieval Times, the Church was the center of all life. Let’s think of what differences there were from then and now.

 Remember, a good way to document information is through using charts.  Let’s use a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast.

What’s the same? What’s different?

What’s the same? What’s different?

 You want to meet friends?  You want to pariticipate in town meetings?  You want to enjoy a concert or play?  You need help when you don’t feel well?  You need to buy supplies or other items?  You need assistance and protection in an emergency?

 What do the similarities and differences tell us about churches from the Middle Ages?  Why do you think this?

 *By the High Middle Ages (1000CE to 1300CE), the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) became the most influential power in Europe.  *Chrisitanity was so popular, some people call this time in history “the Age of Faith”.  Why do you think it got this name?

 *Christianity was one of the few things to survive from the Roman Empire.  *Rome became a Christian institute after Emperor Constantine converted and adopted the religion.

 *The RCC was able to stay organized and help people.  *This organization was modeled after the Roman Empire’s government and created a hierarchy.  A hierarchy is a formally ranked group.

 The RCC was led by the Pope, the archbishop of Rome.  He chose Cardinals to help him.  Archbishops were in charge of large areas called archdioceses.  Bishiops ran dioceses.  Priests were in charge of local areas called parishes.

 *1050 = RCC owns the most land in Europe.  * Ordered a one tenth tithe/tax on all people to help support the RCC.  * Used Latin to write down historical events about monarchs.

 We will now split into two groups.  One will be led by Pope Gregory VII, the other by King Henry IV of the Holy Roman Empire.  Have your leaders read “his” background to the followers and prepare for a discussion.

 *Gregory VII excommunicated, or kicked Henry IV out of the RCC.  *This greatly troubled Henry IV, so he begged for forgiveness.  What does this show about the RCC’s power and the way people viewed it?

 The Church gave people in the Middle Ages many things:  New Arts and Architecture Styles  Education  Religious Life Events

 *Paintings and Sculptures of Jesus and famous Christians were very common.  * These were used to teach those who could not read.

 There were two main styles of cathedrals.  * Romanesque: the older, plain version  Gothic: complex and inspiring, looked as if “it is reaching to Heaven”.

ROMANESQUEGOTHIC  Rounded Arches  Medium height/more horizontal  Thick walls  Little decoration  Many small compartments  Pointed Arches  Very tall  Flying Buttresses  Extreme details  Big open space inside

FLYING BUTTRESSGARGOYLE

 Stained Glass Windows/Rose Windows

 Activity:  Now it is your turn to create a Gothic Cathedral.  You and your group (no more than three members) can design your own cathedral.  The cathedral MUST inlcude:  At least one tall tower  At least two stained glass windows  At least two gargoyles  At least four flying buttresses