The Middle Ages in England (4° Century – 1485)

History Culture RELIGION EARLY MEDIEVAL PERIODLATE MEDIEVAL PERIOD Philosophy The Church Architecture Poetry Drama Music LITERATURE

Early Medieval Period (4th century-1066) 5-6° century: England invaded by Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, Jutes)Germanic tribes 787 b.C. invasion by Viking tribes 1066: Norman conquest King William the Conqueror: mixing of Vikings and Anglo-Saxons introduction of Feudal system

The Anglo - Saxons King Warriors Free men Society Foundation of 7 kingdoms Language: mix of Germanic dialects  Old English Religion: Influence of Christianity Military bases centres of trade cities (London, York,Norwich)

Late Medieval Period ( ) End of 12th Century: King Henry II introduced the Common Law:  basis of modern English jury system  clergy should be judged by royal courts 1215: King John signed the Magna Carta  barons had to approve of taxes imposed by the king  restriction on the king’s power  nobody could be imprisoned illegally : Hundred Years’ War England vs France : The War of the Roses: accession of the House of Tudor to the throne

Religion Goal of men: to reach salvation Medieval Philosophy: Manichean principle of good (heaven) and evil (hell) Women considered like mothers, nuns and wives Architecture: the Gothic style underlined the relevant position of religion Religion was the most important Medieval value Spiritual and temporal power of the Church

Poetry EPIC POETRY: celebration of the deeds of a hero or civilisation (Beowulf) BALLAD: narrative poetry accompained by music Topics: the supernatural & tragic love stories Other features: sketched characters & simple language Oral forms of poetry : Written forms of poetry: THE CANTERBURY TALES: portrait of English society

Medieval music The earliest music was probably spread by the bards, who celebrated the deeds of the heroes. With the spread of Christianity, sacred music, that was monodic (single melody), became important. In the late 9 th century polyphonic music (two or more melodies) In the late Middle Ages the ballad developed  a short narrative folk song.

Religious drama First form of drama: priest sang the officials and people answered Second form of drama: processions (Mistery plays) outside the church Topics: biblical stories  religious education to illiterate people Popular drama Topics: aspects of human condition & theology  moral education to people Performed by professional companies It entertained all social classes

CREDITS Barzellato Roberta Mosca Desirèe Romano Alice