O christianity and the Catholic church played an important role in Europe during the Middle Ages. The local church was the center of city life. People participated in weekly ceremonies.
The population was married, baptized and buried in the church. The church even confirmed the legitimacy of kings on its throne, giving them the divine right to rule.
Index
- Power
- church structure
- Cathedrals
- Gothic architecture
- Art
- Other Religions
- Curiosities
Power
The Catholic Church became very rich and powerful during the Middle Ages. People gave the church one-tenth of their tithe earnings. They also paid the church for various sacraments, such as baptism, marriage and communion. People also paid penances to the church. The rich used to give land to the church.
Eventually, the church owned about a third of the land in Western Europe. Because the church was considered independent, they did not have to pay the king any tax on their land. Church leaders became rich and powerful and many nobles became religious representatives such as abbots or bishops.
church structure
The leader of the Catholic Church is the Pope. Just below the pope were powerful men called cardinals. Next were the bishops and abbots. Even bishops held a lot of power at the local level and often served on the king's council.
Cathedrals
Many churches were built during the Middle Ages. The largest of these churches were called cathedrals. Cathedrals were where bishops had their headquarters.
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Cathedrals were built to inspire awe. They were the most expensive and most beautiful buildings ever built in a city. Sometimes the construction of a cathedral could take two hundred years to complete.
Most cathedrals were built in a similar way. They were usually arranged in the shape of a cross. They had high walls and ceilings to show their grandeur.
Gothic architecture
Around the 12th century, cathedrals began to be built with a new style of architecture called Gothic architecture. With this style, the weight of the vaulted ceilings was supported by the buttresses and not the walls. In this way the walls could be thinner and taller. It also allowed high windows in the walls.
Art
Some of great works of the Middle Ages were produced in cathedrals. This included stained glass, sculptures, architecture and painted murals.
Other Religions
Although Christianity dominated Europe during the Middle Ages, there were other religions. These included pagan religions such as the Viking worship of the god Thor.
Other religious groups included Muslims, who ruled much of Spain for many years, and Jews, who lived in many cities across Europe. Jews played a significant role in the economy because they could borrow money and charge interest.
Curiosities
- The conversion of a country usually happened from the king down. Once the king converted to Christianity, his nobles and people followed suit.
- Some masons even worked on a single cathedral for life.
- Cathedrals and churches were often used to see places when a great view of the city was needed.
- Catholic bishops generally sat on the king's council.
- Churches provided education and cared for the poor and sick.
- The main body of a cathedral is called the “nave”, the ends of the cross section are called the “transepts”, and the entrance is called the “nartex”.
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