The Middle Ages: A History From Beginning to End by Henry Freeman

Author:Henry Freeman [Freeman, Henry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hourly History
Published: 2016-03-20T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

The Flowering of the Church

As spiritual faith grew, it found expression in physical structures. Gothic architecture, which began to gain popularity in the 1200 CE, expressed the effect that religion had on the arts. Cathedrals which took centuries to build had flying buttresses, spires, arches, pointed vaults, and stained glass windows. The term “Gothic” was a term of contempt because it was not classical Roman nor Greek, and the prejudice against the barbarians who had ruined Rome extended to the architecture which they created. However, the churches, cathedrals, and castles that were constructed in this style gave the Middle Ages a medieval logo that expressed the power of Christian faith.

The church had a strong influence on literature, but not all works had a religious inspiration. Writing in the 11th century, Geoffrey of Monmouth’s stories about King Arthur would carry the legends of Camelot to the highest social circles and royal courts. Written in 1133, Geoffrey’s Historia Regum Britanniae told the tale of Arthur, whose court at Camelot included the finest, most gallant knights of the realm. Other writers including Cretien de Troyes and Marie de France added to the tales which established the tradition of courtly love.

Because marriages were arranged for political and economic reasons and alliances, the inspiration for courtly love did not depend upon matrimony to be authentic and passionate, as the courtly lover and his lady were not expected to consummate their love. The chivalric lover would strive to be worthy of his lady love, going on quests and living through ordeals to prove his devotion to her. One of the most famous women of the era, Eleanor of Aquitaine, was a patroness of the movement, and while she may not have experienced much courtly love, she certainly knew a great deal about the affairs of the heart.

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