Comparative Civilizations 12
Unit 2 -The Middle Ages
Part 3 - The Great Thaw
“Humanity in the late Middle Ages seemed to experience a
spiritual and intellectual revival which had a profound influence
on the creative spirit. Perfectly expressed in the Gothic
cathedral, the mystery of faith was embodied in the mystery of
space. Stone was transubstantiated into ethereal tracery
defining open space flooded by the colored light from stained
glass windows... the vigorous growth of towns and cities
accelerated the pace of life and turned the focus of wealth and
power away from the feudal countryside, and the new
universities replaced monasteries as centers of learning.
Dennis Sporre
“There have been times in the history of man when the earth seems
suddenly to have grown warmer or more radio-active... One such time
was about the year 3000 B.C., when quite suddently civilization
appeared... another was in the late 6th century B.C., when there was
not only the miracle of Ionia and Greece... but also in India... Another
was round about the year 1100. It seems to have affected the whole
world, but its strongest and most dramatic effect was in Western
Europe - where it was most needed. It was like a Russian spring. In
every branch of life - action, philosophy, organisation, technology there was an extraordianry outpouring of energy, an intensification of
existence.”
Sir Kenneth Clark
Resources:
1. The Creative Impulse by Dennis Sporre, pp. 219-243.
2. Civilisation by Sir Kenneth Clark, pp. 33-60.
3. Library Sources.
4. Internet Sources: - See Mr. Benoy’s Great Thaw – C.Civ. 12 web page.
Media:
1. Civilisation; The Great Thaw (filmstrip)
2. Art of the Western World; A White Garment of Churches.
3. The Western Tradition: The Middle Ages
4. The Western Tradition: The Feudal Order
Evaluation:
Medieval Society & Thought 10; Romanesque Sculpture 5; Architecture – Romanesque to Gothic 5;
Diagrams 8 x 5 each = 40 marks. Total: 60 marks.
Suggested Time:
Five periods.
Medieval Society and Thought:
Comparative Civilizations 12
1. What effects did the CRUSADES have on Europe?
2. Describe the system of FEUDALISM that emerged in Western Europe during the Middle Ages.
How did it balance military, political and religious matters?
3. What was the CODE OF CHIVALRY and how did it often contrast with reality in Medieval
Europe?
4. How did the emergence of a middle class in towns and cities serve to undermine FEUDALISM?
Who or what benefited from the growing wealth and power of this new class?
5. What role did the Church play in the lives of Medieval people? Be sure to refer to religious and
social affairs.
6. Describe the Medieval philosophical debate that emerged out of the conflicting ideas of
ANSELM (“I must believe in order that I understand”) and ABELARD (I must understand in
order that I may believe.”). How did the widespread acceptance of Abelard’s view lead to a great
increase in scholarship and knowledge in Medieval Europe?
Romanesque Sculpture:
1. Describe the characteristics of Romanesque sculpture.
2. Who was GISLEBERTUS and what was his greatest achievement. Be sure to provide
illustrations of some of his work.
Architecture Romanesque to Gothic:
1. Why are so many impressive Romanesque churches and abbeys found in the South of France?
2. Describe the features of Romanesque architecture. Be sure to provide illustrations.
3. Locate a good example of a Romanesque church (good examples would include: Cluny III; St.
Sernin, Toulouse; the abbey church of Ste. Madeleine, Vezelay; Ste. Foy, Conque; Autun
Cathedral). Sketch or trace the following: a) a floor plan b)an interior view c) an exterior
side elevation d) an exterior front elevation.
4. What innovations led to the emergence of the Gothic style. What role did ABBOT SUGER play
in the emergence of this important architectural style?
5. Provide an illustrated explanation of the elements of Gothic architecture.
6. Sketch or trace the same items as in #3 above, but for a Gothic church (Good examples include:
Chartres Cathedral; Notre Dame, Paris; Rheims Cathedral, Amiens Cathedral, Bourges Cathedral).
7. Research Durham Cathedral in England. What Gothic elements are found there? Why is it still
considered a Romanesque (Norman) building?
8. What innovations were given to the Gothic style of Architecture in England? Identify a good
example of an English Gothic church and provide copied or downloaded illustrations of these
features.