Late Medieval - Week 9

What is the most commonly known interaction between Islam and the study region?

The Crusades, a series of religious wars.

Who launched the 1st Crusade, and what was its goal?

Launched by Pope Urban II in 1095 to free the Holy Land from Muslim domination.

What was a significant result of the 1st Crusade?

The creation of Crusader starts in the Middle East.

Who were the key leaders in the 3rd Crusade, and what was its outcome?

Frederick Barbarossa, Philip II Augustus, and Richard the Lionheart negotiated a truce with Saladin, allowing Christian visitors to Jerusalem.

What military leader led Islamic forces against the Crusaders?

Saladin, who achieved success against the Crusaders, notably taking Jerusalem in 1187.

How did the Crusades impact learning in the study region?

Increased commercial ties and the transfer of classical literature from the Byzantine Empire through Islamic channels.

Who was Ibn Sina, and what was his contribution?

A Muslim scholar (980-1037) who wrote significant medical texts in Arabic that were later translated into Latin.

What was Scholasticism?

A movement that sought to bring together knowledge from Greek, Roman, and Islamic sources to address universal questions using logic.

Who was Adelard of Bath, and what did he do?

A notable scholastic who translated Arabic texts into Latin, including Euclid’s Elements, and introduced advanced mathematics to England.

What role did Jewish moneylenders play during this time period?

They provided financial services restricted for Christians under Church laws of usury, serving urban populations.

What legal challenges did Jews face in the study region?

Their properties were considered the king's property after death, and anti-Semitism led to increased tensions and eventual expulsions.

What triggered the rise in anti-Semitic sentiment in the 13th century?

Accusations against Jews for killing Christians and performing rituals, alongside the rise of Italian banks in money-lending.

What effect did the Great Famine (1315-1319) have?

It caused widespread crop failures, impacting millions and leading to severe food shortages.

What major event caused massive societal disruption in the 14th century?

The Black Death, thought to be caused by bubonic plague, led to significant population collapse.

How did the Black Death change societal dynamics?

It increased the value of labor, allowing lower-class workers to demand higher wages, breaking parts of the feudal system.

Why did urban villages fall into disrepair after the Black Death?

A lack of labor and animals, resulting in many unqualified individuals replacing skilled positions.

What legislation was enacted following labor shortages post-Black Death?

The Ordnance of Labour, which made it illegal to pay laborers more than their pre-plague wages.