Study Materials – by Paul Brians

Lecture 34: The Early Middle Ages

Note: This study guide is presented here as a historical document only. Paul Brians is retired and his courses are no longer offered by WSU.

(Duiker 314-323; Brians 237-241)

Questions about Duiker: How did a deacon prove that the Arians were wrong in their beliefs, according to the account of Gregory of Tours? *What was the ideal of the early Christian monks? What sort of ideal did Benedict’s rule create for monks? *What were the most important achievements of Charlemagne? *What did a vassal gain from his lord, and a lord from his vassal?

Question about “The Will of Wulfgyth:” *In what ways does this will illustrate the power of women in Anglo-Saxon society?

Question about The Song of Roland: Why does Roland try to destroy his sword? *With what gesture does he symbolize his feudal obedience to God?

Lecture topics:

  • The Fall of Rome & the Rise of
  • Christianity
  • Major figures
  • The Dark Ages: definition and causes
  • Monastic system: major influences
  • Charlemagne
  • Major accomplishments, influence on the arts
  • The Norman Invasion
  • Significance for English history
  • Feudal System
  • Basic structure and themes
  • Cult of the Saints
  • Quasi-polytheistic beliefs
  • Emphasis on the miraculous
  • Influence on art
  • The Romanesque Style
  • Basic characteristics

Supplementary Materials

Return to syllabus