The Christianization of the West

At a glance.

● Christianity is a monotheistic religion○ replaced the Roman

Empire’s religion (1-4th centuries).

Christianity and Islam in the Middle Ages● Christianity spread

in the West, and Islam spread mainly in the East.○ They maintained

trading relationships that encouraged the sharing of ideas.

Origins of Christianity.● Christianity was

founded by Jesus.○ Gospels are the tales

of Jesus’ life & his teachings.

● Christianity spread throughout the empire despite persecutions.

● 313○ Emperor Constantine

converter to Christianity

● 392○ Emperor Theodosius

I made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Dossier I: The relationship between the Church and Power.● The church is

where Christians meet to pray.

● The Church had a hierarchy of levels of authority.

The Church.

● The Church regulated the beliefs, prescribed certain duties, instituted sacraments, and set the dates of religious celebrations.

The Church and feudalism.

● Feudalism was the political and social system of the period.

Feudalism.

● The Roman empire split into many kingdoms in the 5th century.

● Society was based on mutual obligations between○ suzerains○ vassals

Knights

● Knights were lords who fought on horseback.

● Their equipment was very expensive.

● When they weren’t at war they participated in jousting matches.

● Many knights died jousting.

http://youtube.com/v/tWVZgp-eQG8

Henry IV.

● French King.● Died in 1559

of a jousting injury

Powers of the King and Church.

● The Church had a lot of power over the King.○ the King got his

power from the Pope.

○ Money kept by the Church.

○ Pope could excommunicate him.

Powers of the King and Church.

● Medieval society had 3 groups○ King & Nobility.○ Church.○ Peasants.

King & Nobility.

● fought enemies to protect:○ territory○ assets of the Church.

The Church.

● The Church prayed for the salvation of:○ The King.○ The Nobility.

The Peasants.

● Cultivated the land to feed the population.

Gregorian chant.