SkillBuilder discussion Historical significance 1. Look closely at SOURCE2 . What architectural features of Canterbury Cathedral identify it as Gothic? 2. How does the design and decoration of Canterbury
SOURCE2 Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, England. This is a typical example of Gothic architecture.
Cathedral reflect the religious and cultural values of the medieval period?
3. What might the construction and
maintenance of such a grand cathedral tell us about the society and economy of medieval England?
Did you know? In 2019, one of the most beautiful and iconic representations of medieval Gothic architecture, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, was badly damaged in a devastating fire. The probable cause was an electrical fault in the old building, which destroyed the roof and spire. The French government hope to have it fully restored by 2027. The Catholic Church was led by the Pope, a role that traced its origins to St. Peter’s founding of the Roman church. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, the Pope’s power grew, especially under Pope Gregory the Great (590–604). Gregory transformed the papal power by effectively governing Rome when its old systems had collapsed, reorganising the structure and leadership of the Church, and spreading Christianity through missionaries. This new papal authority continued to grow through the Early Middle Ages, with later popes building significant alliances with powerful rulers like Charlemagne, who was crowned by the Pope in 800 AD. These political partnerships made the Pope very powerful – monarchs wanted his support because his approval made them look good and righteous in the eyes of their people. 3.8.2 The hierarchy of the Church Cardinals , archbishops and bishops supported the Pope, advised lords and monarchs, and held key government positions. Below them were parish priests, nuns , monks, and friars. These clergy took the Church’s message to villages and collected taxes called tithes, which were 10 per cent of a person’s income or produce. Anyone acting against the Church could be excommunicated, meaning they couldn’t attend Mass or receive sacraments and were told they would go to hell. The Church instilled fear of hell in everyone. 3.8.3 The parish church and the cathedral Almost every village had a parish church, often the largest building and made of stone or brick. Built by peasant labor, the parishioners felt a sense of achievement. Church walls and stained-glass windows depicted Bible scenes to teach the mostly illiterate congregation. Church bells helped people keep track of time. The church was also a community centre and school for those studying for the priesthood.
76 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator