Church Reform and the Crusades

Simony

The position that priests sold in churches.

Gothic

A style of architecture characterized by pointed arches, flying buttresses, and stained glass windows.

Urban II

A pope who called for the First Crusade, a "holy war" to gain control of the Holy Land.

Crusade

A series of religious wars sanctioned by the Latin Church in the medieval period.

Saladin

A Muslim leader who captured Jerusalem during the Crusades.

Richard the Lion-Hearted

An English king who led the Third Crusade to recapture Jerusalem.

Cluniac Reforms

Renewed interest in monastic life in the early 900s, emphasizing poverty, obedience, and spiritual devotion.

Lay investiture

The practice where kings appointed church bishops, opposed by Church reformers who believed the Church alone should appoint bishops.

Gothic Cathedrals

Churches characterized by upward thrusting architecture, stained glass windows, and elaborate decorations.

Age of Faith

A period marked by religious revival, Church reform, and the building of Gothic cathedrals in medieval Europe.