Background to the Middle Ages ( )

The Norman Invasion  Duke William of Normandy defeated King Harold of England during the Battle of Hastings in October,  This defeat initiated the decline of Anglo-Saxon culture and the insurgence of Norman and European values into English life.  The Norman invasion also brought feudalism into England.

Feudal System

The Crusades

Christ Leading the Crusaders

The Crusades ( )  Tens of thousands of Europeans ventured toward the Holy Land to “rescue” Jerusalem from the Muslims.  These journeys brought Europeans into contact with other cultures, including the higher civilizations of the Middle East.  This contact with Eastern mathematics, astronomy, science, architecture, and crafts made possible the rich and varied life which later developed throughout Europe.

Thomas À Becket  Thomas was appointed to the position of Archbishop of Canterbury under the reign of King Henry II. This made him the most powerful representative of the Roman Catholic Church in England.  Over time, the king became increasingly angry with Thomas because he continually took the Pope’s side in various disputes with the Church.  One day in a fit of rage, King Henry shouted, “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” Taking his words literally, four of Henry’s knights murdered Becket inside his own cathedral in Canterbury.

Thomas À Becket (cont.)  The martyrdom of the Archbishop created a backlash against the English monarchy and strengthened the power of the Roman Catholic Church in England.  With this increased power, the Church helped foster cultural unity by creating a system of beliefs and symbols that transcended the national cultures of Europe.  The Church continued to be the center of learning. Its monasteries were the libraries and book publishers of the day, and its language (Latin) remained the international language of educated Europeans.  The Church’s leader, the Pope, was king of all kings— and his kingdom had no boundaries.

The Hundred Years War  From , the British and French fought for control of northern France.  Although England ultimately lost the Hundred Years War, it helped foster feelings of English nationalism.  Joan of Arc was martyred during this conflict.

Joan of Arc

The Magna Carta  The charter of English political and civil liberties granted by King John at Runnymede in June  The Magna Carta helped restore some of the older, democratic values that were the hallmark of Anglo-Saxon life.  This set the stage for the decline of feudalism.

The “Black Death” ( )  The bubonic plague delivered another death blow to feudalism by reducing the population of England by one third.  The plague caused labor shortages that inevitably gave the lower classes more leverage against their overlords.  Lower, middle, and upper-middle classes began to emerge, which signaled the beginning of the end of feudalism.

Plague-Ridden Extremities and Bubonic Plague “Bubos”

This 14th-century miniature, taken from the Toggenburg Bible, illustrates victims of the bubonic plague or the “Black Death.” In Europe it is estimated to have killed 1/3rd of the population in 3 years.

The Canterbury Tales  All levels of medieval society are represented in this collection of stories by Geoffrey Chaucer.  The stories are written in Middle English, and they provide a good “snap-shot” of medieval British culture.  The characters in the story are on a fifty-five mile journey from London to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas à Becket at Canterbury Cathedral.  This journey serves as the story’s “framing device.”  To pass the time, each of the thirty pilgrims agrees to tell two tales on the journey to the shrine and two stories on the return trip.

Geoffrey Chaucer Background With a partner, read the ‘Author Study’ on Geoffrey Chaucer on pg. 107 of your textbook. Then answer the following questions: Explain Chaucer’s family background. Explain Chaucer’s family background. What sort of military background did Chaucer have? What sort of military background did Chaucer have? What was Chaucer’s “primary career” even above writing? What was Chaucer’s “primary career” even above writing? What cultures & works influenced Chaucer to become a writer? What cultures & works influenced Chaucer to become a writer? Identify the political positions that Chaucer had throughout his life. Identify the political positions that Chaucer had throughout his life. Where was Chaucer buried when he died? What is significant about that? Where was Chaucer buried when he died? What is significant about that? What is ironic about his own character in The Canterbury Tales? What is ironic about his own character in The Canterbury Tales?

The Journey to Canterbury Canterbury Cathedral

“Prologue” to The Canterbury Tales  The “Prologue” provides a good snapshot of all the major social classes in medieval British society.  As you read, identify each character, that character’s physical appearance, as well as that character’s personality traits.  Since you will be able to use your “Prologue” notes on future quizzes and tests, it would be in your best interest to be as thorough as possible in your descriptions.