Christianity The transition from early to late Middle Ages is marked by the growth of the Roman Catholic Church

Increasing Importance of the Church The Catholic Church is a unifying institution. The Catholic Church is a unifying institution. The largest landholder in Europe The largest landholder in Europe Land = Money = POWER Land = Money = POWER Controlled the PATH to HEAVEN!!! Controlled the PATH to HEAVEN!!!

How Important? The Catholic Church dominated daily life: The Catholic Church dominated daily life: 7 Sacraments guided Catholics through life 7 Sacraments guided Catholics through life 1 Sacrament for each “step” in life 1 Sacrament for each “step” in life Catholics take Pilgrimages to show devotion (faith) Catholics take Pilgrimages to show devotion (faith) Long trips to sacred & important sites Long trips to sacred & important sites

Art Medieval art reflected many religious themes. Medieval art reflected many religious themes. Paintings and sculptures of Christ and Christian saints were used to help people worship. Paintings and sculptures of Christ and Christian saints were used to help people worship.

The Canterbury Tales Chaucer’s tale about a pilgrimage to Canterbury. Chaucer’s tale about a pilgrimage to Canterbury. Thomas a’ Becket was an Archbishop Thomas a’ Becket was an Archbishop King Henry was unhappy church authority and power King Henry was unhappy church authority and power Becket was killed at the altar of the Canterbury Cathedral. Becket was killed at the altar of the Canterbury Cathedral. Many miracles happen here afterwards Many miracles happen here afterwards

Going to Church Each manor, town, and city had a chapel, church, or cathedral Each manor, town, and city had a chapel, church, or cathedral Cathedrals were awe-inspiring masterpieces Cathedrals were awe-inspiring masterpieces Took many years to build Took many years to build Huge buildings Huge buildings Art was meant to help commoners understand their faith and translate religious stories Art was meant to help commoners understand their faith and translate religious stories All major holidays and events were celebrated in front of the local church. All major holidays and events were celebrated in front of the local church.

Gargoyles Waterspouts to keep water away from the walls of buildings Waterspouts to keep water away from the walls of buildings Usually carved as beasts Usually carved as beasts Believed they were warnings that devils and evil spirits would catch you if you did not attend church Believed they were warnings that devils and evil spirits would catch you if you did not attend church

MOST importantly The Catholic Church was a source of learning and education The Catholic Church was a source of learning and education Clergy (priests, monks, etc.) were most likely to be educated (few others were educated) Clergy (priests, monks, etc.) were most likely to be educated (few others were educated) COPIED TEXTS, WORKED AS SCRIBES COPIED TEXTS, WORKED AS SCRIBES Much of their authority comes from their education, ability to read, publish information, and guide people to heaven. Much of their authority comes from their education, ability to read, publish information, and guide people to heaven.

Illuminated Manuscripts Decorated with ornate details, gold and silver Decorated with ornate details, gold and silver Manuscripts were often religious documents Manuscripts were often religious documents Monasteries had large collections of manuscripts and books Monasteries had large collections of manuscripts and books