Medieval Western Europe
Comprehension
Technology
Medieval Western Europe was not as advanced as other parts of the world for a long time during the Middle Ages. However, a few things invented at this time included watermills for agriculture, spectacles for human vision improvement, and clocks for easier telling of time. Watermills were effective for helping power machinery for grinding grain.
Education
Medieval saw the beginning and creation of Universities. Here, people could enhance their education by learning about science and ancient texts. However, education was expensive and only rich people who could afford it could go. This was very common in England, where peasants could only dream of going to school.
Religion
Christianity became very popular in Medieval Europe, and was the stepping stone to its popularity around the world today. In the beginning, Europe was split between the East and the West due to arguement over state control of the state and papal supremacy. The West therefore followed the "Roman Catholic Church" and the East followed to "East Orthodox Church". Religion was a huge part of life for Western Europeans, and it influenced their lifestyles.
Watermill
Watermills use a source of running water, usually on a river or creek, to produce power for industrial machinery like millstones and saw blades.
Spectacles
Medieval spectacles were thought to have first been created in Pisa, Italy, in 1286.
University of Cambridge - Kings College Chapel
Built towards the end of Medieval times in Cambridge, England. This is the original chapel of the University of Cambridge.
Art
Medieval art came in many forms over the years including sculptures, stained glass, and mosaics and it was used for instruction, decoration, and building. There are specifically two types of Medieval Art: Romanesque and Gothic. Romanesque art heavily influenced architectural styles and was therefore both decorative and functional. The other main form, Gothic art, started in 1140 in France before spreading to other parts of Western Europe. This was the type of art with sculptures and stained glass.
Gothic Art
Usually found outside cathedrals in France and Spain. They each set of sculptures had a spiritual meaning and significance.
Stained Glass
Used to create colorful patterns and displays on cathedrals and churches.
Romansque Art
Architectural style. The arch was common, and showed the influence of Ancient Roman styles.