Medival Period

Thomas Aquinas

An Italian Dominican philosopher and theologian, Aquinas wrote Summa Theologica, a major work explaining Christian theology and addressing questions about God, morality, and human reason.

• He argued that faith and reason could work together, combining Christian teachings with the philosophy of Aristotle.

• He helped shape Catholic Church teachings and medieval university education.

• His ideas became a foundation of Catholic philosophy and theology, influencing European intellectual life for centuries.

Why he matters:Aquinas represents the growth of learning and the attempt to reconcile religion with reason during the Middle Ages.

Joan of Arc

• A French military figure and religious heroine who helped lead French forces during the Hundred Years' War, she was born in France.

• She helped restore confidence in Charles VII, who was crowned king of France in 1429.

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One Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453)

• A series of conflicts between England and France over control of French territory and the French throne.

• Weakened the feudal system and changed the relationship between kings and nobles.

• Encouraged stronger national identities in both England and France.

• Contributed to the development of more organized armies and new military tactics.

Christine de Pisan (c. 1364–c. 1430)

• Born in Venice, Itality, Christine de Pisan (also spelled Christine de Pizan) was a medieval writer, poet, and intellectual who defended women's abilities and challenged negative stereotypes about women.

• One of the most prominent professional female writers of the Middle Ages.

• Challenged the belief that women were intellectually and morally inferior to men.

• Wrote about politics, education, warfare, and women's roles in society.

• Wrote a poem celebrating Joan of Arc in 1429, connecting her literary work to France's struggle against England