Ancient Medieval History thru Art Notes
INTRODUCTION:
There were two important events that led to the development of Medieval Europe. One was the Christianization
of the Germanic tribes and the second was the unification of Western Europe by Charlemagne.
The original settlers of the British/Irish regions, the Celts, found themselves being ruled by the Romans from
c55 BC until the region was finally abandoned by Rome in 406 AD. Subsequently, the area was taken over by
the Jutes, Angles, and the Saxons. The resulting Anglo-Saxon was primarily pagan, but gradually the people
were Christianized, especially in Ireland.
Manuscript Illumination
Gospel Book of Durrow, page with lion from Book of Mark, c 675 AD
Chi Rho Iota, Book of Matthew, Book of Kells, late 8th early 9th century AD
“Carolingian” Period
Introduction-Charlemagne devoted his energies to conquest. Through his efforts much of Western Europe was
united under the Christian religion. Charlemagne's reign is often referred to as the Carolingian Renaissance.
Architecture-Charlemagne encouraged the revival of classical forms in many of the building projects that he
sponsored.
Abbey Church of Saint Riquier
Palace Chapel at Aachen
Manuscript Illumination-Charlemagne believed that education was vital to the success of his empire. He
continually promoted learning especially among the clergy. During his reign, Charlemagne brought many Early
Christian manuscripts from Rome to be copied by the monks at the Abbey Church of Saint Riquier.
Mark the Evangelist, Book of Mark, from the Godeseaic Evangelistary, 781-83 AD
St. Matthew the Evangelist, Book of Matthew, Ebbo Gospels, c816-40 AD
Charlemagne's empire only survived for thirty years after his death. After the empire’s collapse, a series of
invasion further weakened the continent. Finally in the mid-10th century, a new line of Saxon kings gained
control of the eastern portion of the old empire.
Architecture and Sculpture
Abbey Church of Saint Michael, Hildesheim, Germany, c1001-1031 AD
Bishop Bernward, The Temptation, from the bronze doors from the Abbey
Church of Saint Michael
Bishop Bernward, The The crucifixion, from the bronze doors from the
Abbey Church of Saint Michael
Manuscript Illumination
The Annunciation of the Shepherds, from the Lectionary of Henry II