Medieval to Early Renaissance Europe Flashcards

Flashcards covering key topics from Medieval to Early Renaissance Europe based on lecture notes.

What characterized Germanic tribes during the Early Middle Ages?

Nomadic lifestyle, warrior-centered culture, valuing loyalty and strength.

What determined guilt in Germanic Culture?

Trial by ordeal

Who re-established the Western Roman Empire under Christian rule?

Charlemagne (Charles the Great)

What title was Charlemagne given by the Pope?

"Holy Roman Emperor"

What did Charlemagne promote during his rule?

Education, Christianity, and the Carolingian Renaissance.

What role did monks play in preserving knowledge?

Preserved classical knowledge and promoted literacy.

What characterized Feudalism?

Social and political system based on land ownership and loyalty.

What is Manorialism?

Economic side of feudalism, where peasants lived and worked the lord's land.

What are the characteristics of Romanesque architecture?

Rounded arches, thick stone walls, and barrel vaults.

Name a famous example of Romanesque architecture.

Saint-Sernin in Toulouse, France.

What was the purpose of stone sculpture, like tympanums, in Romanesque churches?

To teach Christian lessons.

What is an example of Romanesque sculpture?

Gislebertus’ "Last Judgment" on the Cathedral of Saint-Lazare.

What are the characteristics of Gothic architecture?

Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses.

Name a famous example of Gothic architecture.

Chartres Cathedral in France.

Who rebuilt the Abbey Church of Saint-Denis with Gothic features?

Abbot Suger

What did Gothic cathedrals symbolize?

Light, heaven, and religious devotion.

What was the role of Cathedrals?

They were built by whole communities over decades. Inspired religious awe and civic pride.

What led to the Decline of the Church's Dominance?

Rise of secular power and criticism of Church corruption (pre-Reformation). Humanism begins to emerge.

What is humanism?

Focused on individual potential, classical learning, and secular achievement.

Who designed the dome of Florence Cathedral?

Filippo Brunelleschi

Who designed townhouses showing balance and humanist ideals?

Leon Battista Alberti

What characterized Renaissance buildings?

Reflected individualism

How did artistic and cultural expression change from the Early Middle Ages to the Renaissance?

Early Middle Ages: focused on religion, oral tradition, and symbolism. Renaissance: revival of classical forms, realistic human figures, and secular themes.