Midterm 3 Flashcards
EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE
Illuminated Manuscript
A handwritten book that has been decorated with gold or silver, brilliant colors, or elaborate designs and miniature illustrations.
Typically written on parchment or vellum (prepared animal skins)
Many illuminated manuscripts were religious in nature, including Bibles, Psalters (books of Psalms), and Books of Hours (prayer books for laypeople)
Monasteries
A religious way of life in which individuals devote themselves to spiritual work. Monasteries are communities where monks (or nuns) live, work, and worship.
Many monasteries had scriptoria where monks copied and illuminated manuscripts.
Monasteries were centers of learning and education. Monks were often among the few literate members of society.
Relic
A physical object that holds religious significance, typically associated with a saint or holy person. These items are venerated in various religious traditions, especially in Christianity, where they have played a crucial role in devotional practices, church rituals, and the culture of pilgrimage.
Pope
Religious leader in the church with great political and social influence. The Pope encouraged the development of monasticism.
Ora et Labora
A Latin phrase that translates to “pray and work” in English. It encapsulates a fundamental aspect of the Benedictine monastic tradition, particularly as outlined in the Rule of Saint Benedict.
Scriptorium
A dedicated room or area in a monastery where monks copied manuscripts. Scriptoria (plural for scriptorium) played a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of knowledge during the Middle Ages
Reliquary
A container or shrine designed to hold relics.
TYPES OF RELICS
- First-Class Relics: These are physical remains of a saint, such as bones, hair, or bodily fluids.
- Second-Class Relics: These are items that belonged to or were associated with a saint during their lifetime, such as clothing, personal effects, or items touched by the saint.
- Third-Class Relics: These are objects that have been in contact with first- or second-class relics or with the tomb of a saint.
Pilgrimage
Why would people go on pilgrimages?
- they had committed a sin and hoped to have it absolved
- they were hoping to gain release from, or reduced time in, purgatory
- they were seeking a physical and spiritual connection to an important place or person
- they were hoping for a miracle
- There is a Hierarchy of Pilgrimages
Carolingian
A significant era in European history that saw the revitalization of art, culture, learning, and politics. It roughly spans the 8th to 9th centuries, reaching its height during the reign of Charlemagne (Charles the Great). HUGE EDUCATIONAL REFORMS!
Renaissance/Revival
The Renaissance, meaning “rebirth,” was a period of cultural, artistic, and intellectual revival
Holy Roman Empire
A complex and multi-ethnic political entity that existed in Central Europe for much of the medieval and early modern periods. It was established in the early Middle Ages and lasted until its dissolution in 1806
St. Benedict
A Christian saint and monk who founded the Benedictine order and wrote the “Rule of Saint Benedict,” which became the foundation of Western MONASTICISM
Charlemagne
Born king of the Franks and really liked the Romans, so he eventually he became the King of the Holy Roman Empire
- Centered around EDUCATION and literacy of priests and government officials
- Set up an educational system
- Brought in scholars from across Europe
- Establishes scriptoriums: places to copy religious and ancient texts
-Carolingian Miniscule - standardized handwriting - Belief that studying classical texts could help prepare people to understand the scriptures better
- Great conqueror
- Expanded empire
- Forced Christianization
- Battles with the Muslims on the French and Spanish Border
- Gains keys to holy cites
- Spurred a mini renaissance called the “Carolingian Renaissance”
Saint
Individuals who were recognized by the Christian Church as having lived exceptionally holy lives and who were believed to be in heaven, interceding on behalf of the faithful
The Virgin Mary
The Virgin Mary was revered as an intercessor and advocate for believers, with many Christians praying to her for protection, guidance, and spiritual blessings.
COUNTERPART OF EVE
Pilgrimage to shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary was a common expression of devotion in early medieval Europe
Cathedral
Monumental structures that served as the principal churches of bishoprics or dioceses, housing the cathedra or bishop’s throne. Cathedrals were not only places of worship but also symbols of the power and prestige of the Church and its bishops.
Lindisfarne Gospels
FIRST KNOWN GOSPELS WRITTEN IN ENGLISH
(by Aldred)
An Illuminated manuscript rescued from the monastery
Saved from
How does “Ora et Labora” describe life in a Benedictine monastery?
It emphasizes the dual focus on prayer or spiritual devotion and manual labor or physical work. In Benedictine monastic communities, monks dedicate themselves to a balance of contemplation through prayer and meditation, and active participation in the daily tasks and chores essential for sustaining the community. This motto reflects the Benedictine ethos of harmonizing spiritual and earthly responsibilities, fostering a life of discipline, humility, and service.
How did monasteries contribute to learning and literacy during the early Middle Ages?
Preservation of knowledge (in scriptoriums)
Monasteries served as hubs of cultural exchange, where monks from different regions and backgrounds converged. This facilitated the sharing of ideas, knowledge, and manuscripts, fostering intellectual collaboration and innovation.
How were illuminated manuscripts made?
Very meticulously by skilled artisans, often monks or professional scribes, usually on parchment or vellum
What was the relationship between women, academics, and monasteries in the early Middle Ages?
Women’s monastic communities, known as nunneries or convents, played a significant role in medieval society. Nunneries and women’s monastic communities offered women opportunities for education, intellectual growth, and leadership
Why were monasteries often the targets of Viking raids?
They were wealthy and defenseless, and the vikings wanted to attack Christians with resources
What was the significance of relics in the Middle Ages? How did the veneration of relics and saints tie in to pilgrimages and the building of Cathedrals?
Relics were physical remains or personal artifacts of saints. They were believed to hold spiritual power and people honored relics to seek blessings or healings.
People would travel to places where relics were located (pilgrimages) and buildings were build to house these relics (cathedrals)
