Medieval: Culture of the High Middle Ages (24)

theology

the study of religion and God

Saint Thomas Aquinas

1225-1274 One of the greatest intelectuals of the Catholic Church. He worked mainly in Greek, Theology and Christian Doctrin. He left more than 60 scholastic works. In his work "Summa Theologica", Saint Thomas Aquinas attempted to reconcile Aristotle's ideas with the doctrines of Christianity.

Vernacular Literature

12th Century Troubadour poetry and the Heroic Poem were popular forms of vernacular literature. Troubadour poetry is the product of nobles and knights. It talks about the love of a knight for a lady who inspire him to be a braver knight.

Gothic Cathedrals

12th-13th century 2 Innovations in architecture made it possible to build soaring Gothic cathedrals, one of the artistic triumphs of the high Middle Ages. 1.-Pointed Arches. Enabled builders to make Gothic churches higher. 2.-Flying Buttress: Heavy arched in the outside of the walls. It supports the walls of the church

chanson de geste

A type of vernacular literature, this heroic epic was popular in medieval Europe and described battles and political contests.

Latin/English

Although Latin was the universal language of MEDIEVAL CIVILIZATION, new literature was written in the vernacular.

Vernacular

The language of everyday speech in a particular region. Usage: Latin was the universal language of medieval civilization. Used in the church and schools. Latin enabled learned people to communicate anywhere in Europe. However in the 12th century much new literature was writen in the vernacular, such as Spanish, French, English or German.

First Universities

Were Established in the 12th Century in Italy, France and England (Oxford). First University was in Bologna, Italy. They were educational guilds. Most students received a LIBERAL ARTS education. Thelogy was the most prestigious subject.

Scholasticism

a medieval philosophical and theological system that sought to reconcile FAITH and REASON and to harmonize Christian teachings with the recently discovered works of Greek philosophers.