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MIDDLE AGES: CHURCHES AND CATHEDRALS
World History – Ms. Lupercio/Mr. Colby
Christianity and the Catholic Church played a major role in Europe during the Middle Ages. The local church was the
center of town life. People attended weekly ceremonies. They were married, confirmed, and buried at the church. The
church even confirmed kings on their throne giving them the divine right to rule.
Rich and Powerful
The Catholic Church became very rich and powerful during the Middle Ages. People gave the church 1/10th of their
earnings in tithes. They also paid the church for various sacraments such as baptism, marriage, and communion.
People also paid penances to the church. The wealthy often gave the church land.
Eventually, the church owned about one third of the land in Western Europe. Because the church was considered
independent, they did not have to pay the king any tax for their land. Leaders of the church became rich and
powerful. Many nobles became leaders such as abbots or bishops in the church.
Structure of the Church
The leader of the Catholic Church was the pope. Right below the pope were powerful men called cardinals. Next
were bishops and abbots. Even bishops held a lot of power on the local level and often served on the council of the
king.
Cathedrals
Many churches were built during the Middle Ages. The biggest of these churches were called cathedrals. Cathedrals
were where bishops had their headquarters.
Cathedrals were built to inspire awe. They were the most expensive and beautiful buildings built. Sometimes
construction on a cathedral could take two hundred years to finish.
Most cathedrals were built in a similar fashion. They generally were laid out in the shape of a cross. They had very
tall walls and high ceilings.
Gothic Architecture
Around the 12th century, cathedrals began to be built with a new style of architecture called Gothic architecture. With
this style, the weight of the vaulted ceilings rested on buttresses rather than on the walls. This way the walls could be
thinner and taller. It also allowed for tall windows on the walls.
Art
Some of the great art of the Middle Ages was produced in cathedrals. This included stained glass windows, sculpture,
architecture, and painted murals.
Other Religions
Although Christianity dominated Europe during the Middle Ages, there were other religions. These included pagan
religions such as the Viking worship of the god Thor. Other religious groups included the Muslims, which ruled much
of Spain for many years, and the Jews, which lived throughout many cities in Europe. The Jews played a significant
role in the economy because they were allowed to loan money and charge interest.
Interesting Facts about the Catholic Church and Cathedrals
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Conversion of a country generally took place from the king down. Once the king was converted to
Christianity, his nobles and people followed suit.
Some master masons were able to work on a single cathedral for their entire life.
Cathedrals and churches were often used for meeting places when a large location was needed.
Catholic Bishops often sat on the king's council.
Churches provided education and looked after the poor and the sick.
The main body of a cathedral is called the "nave", the ends of the cross section are called the "transepts",
and the entrance is called the "narthex".
Circle the correct answer:
1) Who is the leader of the Catholic Church?
7) What did Gothic architecture allow for in cathedrals?
Thinner walls
King of France
Taller walls
Holy Roman Emperor
Tall windows on the walls
Pope
All of the above
2) True or False: During the Middle Ages the
Catholic Church was rich and powerful.
TRUE
FALSE
None of the above
8) Who was usually the first person to be converted to Christianity
in a country?
A farmer
3) How did the church become so wealthy?
The bishop
Through tithes from the people
A knight
Paying of penances
The queen
Paying of sacraments
The king
All of the above
9) What is the main body of a cathedral called?
4) Cathedrals were usually designed in what shape?
Nave
Star
Transept
Cross
Altar
Diamond
Apex
5) A cathedral was the headquarters of this church leader?
Narthex
Priest
Abbot
10) True or False: The Jews played an important role in the
economy of Europe during the Middle Ages.
Bishop
TRUE
Monk
FALSE
Nun
6) True or False: Cathedrals during the Middle Ages were
built rapidly and with little regard to quality.
TRUE
FALSE