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.
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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?
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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?
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What do the similarities and differences tell us
about churches from the Middle Ages?
Why do you think this?
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*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?
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*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.
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*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.
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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.
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*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.
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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.
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*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?
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The Church gave people in the
Middle Ages many things:
 New Arts and Architecture
Styles
 Education
 Religious Life Events
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*Paintings and Sculptures of Jesus
and famous Christians were very
common.
* These were used to teach those
who could not read.
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There were two main styles of
cathedrals.
* Romanesque: the older, plain version
Gothic: complex and inspiring, looked
as if “it is reaching to Heaven”.
ROMANESQUE
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Rounded Arches
Medium height/more
horizontal
Thick walls
Little decoration
Many small
compartments
GOTHIC
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Pointed Arches
Very tall
Flying Buttresses
Extreme details
Big open space inside
FLYING BUTTRESS
GARGOYLE
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Stained Glass Windows/Rose Windows
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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
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