Dark Ages pt. 1 Flashcards
What were the important roles of monks in the Dark Ages?
**1. They copied and preserved the great works of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
2. They **preached **the Christian religion to the barbarians.
3. They created one of the greatest art forms of the Middle Ages: manuscript
illumination.
What were the main military and cultural achievements of Charlemagne?
United most of western Europe through conquests becoming the first emperor and promoted education in classicial learning, literature and art.
What is the Book of Kells? Why is it important?
A medieval Christian content that is framed in pagan aethetics. Example of cultural syncretism.
Illuminated manuscript that contains 4 gospels of the New Testament.
Masterpiece of medieval art
What is manuscript illumination? What motivated the monks to illuminate their manuscripts?
Decoration, dazzling illustrations on handwritten books which made devotional content immediately accessible to all- including the illiterate.
Seen as acts of devotion since most books were religious.
Who was Hildegard of Bingen? What is remarkable about her work?
Hildegard produced major works of theology, natural history, medicine, and visionary writings.
First composer (of liturgical songs) whose biography is known.
When few women were accorded respect, she was consulted by bishops, popes, and kings.
What is cultural syncretism? Where have we seen it in the works analyzed so far?
the blending of indigenous and foreign beliefs or practices into a new cultural form.
eg. Madonna and baby Jesus, book of Kells
What is the Bayeux tapestry? What crucial historical event (in 1066) does it visually narrate?
It’s an embroidered cloth that tells the story of William the Conquerer defeating England.
THE GREAT BATTLE OF HASTINGS in 1066!
