Medieval Europe: Kingdoms, Feudalism, and Christian Influence

A Patchwork of Territories

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the barbarian invasions, Europe fractured into a series of Germanic kingdoms. Europe became a continent divided into many independent kingdoms and territories.

A Rural Economy

With the establishment of the Germanic kingdoms, cities were deserted, and trade diminished. The main source of wealth was the land, and conditions were harsh; any calamity caused great famines. The feudal lords lived in castles from which they controlled the vast lands cultivated by peasants.

Christianity, a Unifying Factor

While the majority of the Roman population adhered to Christianity, the Germanic peoples initially professed pagan religions. Some Germanic kings converted to Christianity, and most of Europe gradually became Christian.

Conversion of Germanic Peoples

In the 5th century, many Germanic peoples invaded the territories of the Roman Empire. In the year 476, the last emperor was deposed. Although they initially practiced pagan religions, their conversion to Christianity happened collectively.

The Origin of Monasticism

In the West, monasticism was introduced by St. Benedict. He founded monasteries where monks dedicated themselves to prayer and work. The rule of St. Benedict summarized monastic life in the phrase: "Ora et labora" (the combination of prayer and work).

Christianity in Muslim Spain

The followers of Islam arrived in the year 711. Their Muslim rulers founded a state called Al-Andalus, with its capital in Cordoba. Part of the historical population converted to Islam, but other Christians remained faithful to their religion; they were called Mozarabs. They were forced to pay heavy taxes and could not hold public office. They formed major communities in Cordoba, Toledo, and Zaragoza.

The Feudal Church

The Germanic invasions led to the decomposition of the previously existing social system, giving way to feudalism. This established a new relationship between the landowner and the serfs who worked the land. Medieval society was divided into three groups:

• Nobility
• Clergy
• Common People

Sculpture: The Bible Told

Its purpose was essentially instructive. The decoration served to teach the basics of the Christian faith to the people and focused on the front of the temple, the main external space. The cover is identified with Christ himself.

Painting: Painting the Bible

It sought to serve the biblical narrative, using new elements designed to recreate scenes familiar to the faithful.

Presence of the Spirit of Jesus

The Church cannot be understood without an explicit reference to the three persons of the Blessed Trinity.

The Church, the Sacrament of Salvation

It presents Christ as the savior of mankind (for the Church, Christ is still saving humanity).

The Church is Holy

Because Christ gave himself to her to sanctify her, and with the gift of the Holy Spirit, all who are part of the Church are called to holiness.