I. Identification and Significance
Courtly Love-This is a concept that denotes the noble and chivalrous expression of love
‘The Other’ Medieval Religion- While the Roman Catholic Church was regarded as the only religion during the middle ages. However, there are instances when conflict occurs among important members of the church, thus, the establishment of other religions.
Medieval Science Popular Religion- There was a great conflict between science and religion during the medieval times. The church has a considerable influence in limiting and encouraging scientific exploits during that time.
Walensians Knightly Culture- The knightly culture of the Walensians originated during the later part of the 12th century, when a wealthy man sold his possessions and gave it to the poor.
Joachimites Chivalric Ideals- This sect aimed most of its teachings and movements towards man’s purification and perfection.
Friars Moneyed Economy- This is a system where money is used in economic exchanges, instead of the usual barter which is the literal exchange of commodities.
Inquisitorial Process Guilds –the medieval guilds were characterized by their exclusivity, and their creation for the preservation of rights, as well as privileges for its members.
Confraternities- These are voluntary Christian groups of lay individuals whose formation was geared towards promoting charity as permitted by the Roman Catholic leaders.
II. Short Answers
1. Discuss the motives behind the First Crusades? Was the endeavor a success? Why or why not?
The first crusade was initiated with the intent to save the Jerusalem, which is considered by the Christians as the Holy Land, from the Muslims who have taken over the land. It was through the encouraging words of Pope Urban II during 1095 that Christian pilgrimage became widespread, until the eventual formation of a military expedition led by the Roman Catholic Church of Europe. The military expedition was composed of diverse members of the society from knights to peasants who travelled distances for the cause. The endeavor was a success because the arrival of the crusaders in Jerusalem resulted in an immediate assault and the eventual recapture of Jerusalem. Consequently, the Christians moved towards the establishment of the state as a domicile for the Christians. Further, it meant the willingness of the Christian people during that time to unite and uphold Christianity.
2. Analyzed the difference between holiness and heresy during the High Middle Ages?
Holiness during the High Middle Ages is often linked to the idea of masculinity, that is, the ecclesiastical leaders then were portrayed to have masculine features and characteristics. The reason for the masculine features is that they are regarded as warriors of God, therefore they must exhibit strength. In line with their spiritual faith, the people of God were supposed to be manly and have the capability to face the extremes and difficulties associated with serving God. Therefore, the practice of religion and holiness during the middle ages exemplified the concept of masculinity such as self-control and ability to make intellectual decisions. According the scholars, the human body during the medieval ages was generally perceived to be unsexed, that is the human embodiment appeared to be neutral in terms of gender. Nevertheless, there is the tendency to regard the human body according to male standards. The relationship of holiness to masculinity resulted in the conflict about the aspects that symbolize man’s body. For example, men were demanded to control their sexual desires, to maintain chastity, and to regard the body as the temple of Christ.
Heresey, on the other hand, is a philosophy that proposed to contradict some teachings of the Christian faith. There were people who claimed to be Christians, but, their core practices and beliefs were in contradiction to that of the teaching of the Christian faith.
3. Did European nation states begin to emerge in the later Middle Ages? Please discuss in particular: France, England and Spain.
The emergence of European nations started during the latter part of the Middle Ages. France, for instance, originated from the medieval tribe who were then called as Franks. The small tribe eventually consolidated other tribes, which eventually led to the establishment of the Frankish kingdom. The early development of France was highly influenced by the Catholic faith, and it played a significant role in the crusades that followed.
The origin of England can be traced from the downfall of the Roman Empire, which resulted in the devastation of the different towns. However, with this confusion came the rise of new cultures and society. It was from one of these societies that England, which was a part of Britannia, came into being.
On the other hand, Spain traces its roots as a group of small kingdoms that united to form one strong kingdom, which has a culture that was highly influenced by the Romans. Several invasions from stronger groups resulted in the establishment of small towns that would later comprise the whole of Spain. Accordingly, there were three traditions involved in the development of Spain, the Muslim, Jewish and the Christian tradition.
