The Crusades & The Reconquista
The Crusades Religious wars primarily between Roman Catholics and Muslims; Pope Urban II sent thousands of knights to fight. Why? Primary goal: To free the Holy Land Remove Muslims from Jerusalem Religious Zeal Christian knights fight Muslims instead of each other
Victories and Defeats 1st Crusade was most successful: captured Jerusalem (eventually falls to Muslims) 3rd Crusade- tried to retake Jerusalem; failed 4th Crusade- Ended in defeat by Muslims
Effects of the Crusades Trade increased Power of monarchs increased Papal power at its greatest height Wider world view: people began to travel far-off places
Reconquista in Spain Campaign to take over Muslim lands and drive the Muslims from Spain By 1300, Christians controlled the entire Iberian Peninsula except for Granada (Muslim stronghold)
Ferdinand and Isabella Two rulers from two powerful kingdoms- were able to complete Reconquista Granada falls, 1492 Ended policy of religious toleration in Spain
Learning during the Middle Ages Scholasticism- Tried to resolve conflict between faith & reason; used reason to support Christian beliefs Thomas Aquinas: wrote Summa Theologica, examined Christian teachings in the light of reason
Medieval Literature Dante Alighieri- Famed Italian poet Wrote Divine Comedy; summarizes Christian ethics Geoffrey Chaucer Wrote The Canterbury Tales Reveals a lot about medieval life
Medieval Architecture Towering stone cathedrals symbolized wealth & religious devotion Flying Buttresses- Stone supports that stood outside the church