The Flavor of the Middle Ages: Inferiority and Vitality
Western Europe changed rapidly during the Post-Classical period, but it remained commercially and culturally backward compared to Islam and the Byzantine Empire. But its development ushered in new political and cultural forms.
Stages of Postclassical Development
Medieval European development unfolded in two subperiods up to about 1300. Between the 6th and 10th centuries, chaotic conditions prevailed, despite gains made by the church and Charlemagne’s brief empire. Then, improvements in trade and agriculture brought new strength and diversity. Feudal monarchy developed as a stronger political form. During this period, western Europe also developed expansionist tendencies, particularly in the Crusades.
Western Culture in the Post-Classical Era
Christian culture formed the clearest unifying element in western Europe during the Post-Classical centuries, although it changed as European society matured. Theologians and artists developed distinctive expressions, although there were other philosophical and artistic currents as Europe’s cultural creativity increased.
Changing Economic and Social Forms in the Post-Classical Centuries
With the revival of trade and agriculture, commercial ties spread through most of Western Europe. Urban merchants gained unusual power, but early capitalism was disputed by the different economic values of the guilds.
The Decline of the Medieval Synthesis
Amid problems of overpopulation and disease, post-classical Western civilization declined after 1300. The decline was evident in feudalism and the church.
Conclusion: The Post-Classical West and its Heritage – A Balance Sheet
The term “Middle Ages” suggests a backward period in Western history between the glories of Greece, Rome, and the Renaissance. This view neglects the fact that the area had never been integrated into a regional civilization and was building institutions and culture for the first time. It was backward in some aspects and did not participate in world contacts as the equal of the great Asian societies. The Middle Ages was a formative force of its own.
CHAPTER REVIEW
What characteristics define medieval west European civilization?
Who wrote it? (Attribution includes biographical references)
What was the author’s point of view?
How reliable is the document? Why?
What was the intent or purpose behind the document?
Who was the intended audience?
What is the document’s tone?
How have roles for women changed?
PHOTO ESSAYS: The Rise and Fall of Medieval Europe
The Age of Faith (Pages 215, 218, 223, 228)
The Middle Ages in Europe was called an Age of Faith. In what ways do the photos represent this title?
Feudalism (Pages 212, 218, 222, 229)
Politically, many regions in Medieval Europe utilized a feudal system to restore and maintain stability. How do the photographs depict aspects of feudalism?
The Death of Feudalism and the Age of Faith (Pages 230, 234, and 235)
How would towns, commerce, war, and the Black Death destroy Medieval institutions?
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
The period known as the Middle Ages in Europe
was an era in which European culture and civilization dominated the Mediterranean region.
was a period of isolation and stagnation for European society.
began with feudal kings in control and ended with the Roman Catholic Church the dominant power in Europe.
began with the fall of Rome and ended with the decline of the feudal and religious institutions.
saw Christianity confined to a few lands in western Europe.