I felt like I really learned a lot this year. I was able to get a more general idea of the factually components of history and then more importantly discovered an understanding for myself. It was a new way of learning, and I enjoyed it very much. It helped me enjoy history more. I hated just having teachers who tried to jam it down your throat. This way of learning made me learn it for myself my own way. It may have been difficult at first, but I have grown accustomed to it. Also, my typing and writing skills definitely improved. I will take away a lot from this year. I have learned about myself and what I can do when I put my mind to it. Finally, I think that most importantly I learned that I can like to learn.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
West Civilization Final Exam Question 9
Leonardo de Vinci is the perfect example of a true renaissance man. What is considered a renaissance man is a person who has talents in many different areas, and has a wide base of knowledge. Leonardo pursued many fields of studies, was an amazing master painter and artist, and an anatomy expert for his time. Below are some famous painting of his that show his brilliance.
West Civilization Final Exam Question 8
The Romanesque cathedrals appear often like fortresses. They were built partially as a place for the community to go for safety when outside invaders would attack because of the political unrest. In the pictures of the exterior and interior of the cathedrals, the walls are look to be built to withstand attacks and stand strong like a fortress (Figure 4 and Figure 5). The style seen there is typical Romanesque style architecture. In the exterior picture, it even show towers which can be used to fight back against enemies and high windows for protection. Also, in the interior, the same thickness and roughness is found. The theological influences can also be seen inside. During the Romanesque period of time, people were focused on the coming of the judgment day. Therefore, their religious places reflected that with dark cold enviorments. Romanesque reflected those religious views; therefore it expressed understandings of religion and theological virtues, as well as, the political situation.
Gothic cathedrals, constructed after the Romanesque period, had a different completely different view cosmetically, but still also represented theological and religious understandings. Pictures below demonstrate the openness and large illuminated windows found in the Gothic cathedrals that caused a warmer environment for the people (Figure 1 and Figure 2). In these pictures, the Gothic cathedrals are noticeably more decorative. These seem to be more in depth and have tons of religious pictures and art all around. Extravagant windows and large pictures really make these cathedrals distinct form the Romanesque cathedrals. The focus of religion by this point in history was letting the light of God into the lives of the people. You see this displayed especially in those large windows that cathedrals were unable to have in the Romanesque period due to imposing invaders that might destroy them. Theology can be clearly seen in Gothic cathedrals, in addition to the every present social and political situations that seem to have an ever present touch on the church.
One key point that has determined the difference between the two styles of cathedrals or the architecture is the windows. In the first picture, Romanesque windows are viewed (Figure 6), but in the other picture Gothic windows are seen (Figure 3). The Romanesque windows are high and up away from the ground helping to create the fortress and tough feel Romanesque cathedrals bring. They also were designed to keep out invaders and keep the people inside protected. The theological idea of judgment day, strongly observed at this time backed this up the design of these windows also. It may have encouraged people of that time to always look up to God and forward to the future. The gothic windows, on the other hand, were open and let tons of light in supporting their message of letting god’s light into their lives. These windows represent what their religion was all about. Something, that was as simple as the windows, was designed in a way that even a theological understanding could be found in it.
Appendix
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Figure 1 |
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Figure 2 |
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Figure 3 |
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Figure 4 |
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Figure 5 |
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Figure 6 |
Bibliography
Figure 1 - Saint Michel et Gudule de Bruxelles, facade, 13th to 15th century, http://commons.wiki media.org/wiki/File:Saints-Michel-et-Gudule_Luc_Viatour.jpg, photograph taken in 2008.
Figure 2 – Duomo di Orvieto, facade, 14th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Duo mo_of_Orvieto.jpg, photograph taken in 2005.
Figure 3 – Minden Cathedral, windows, 14th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20 10-10-24_Minden,_Dom_014.jpg, photograph taken in 2010.
Figure 4 – Celles, facade, 5th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Celles_JPG00.jpg , photograph taken in 2005.
Figure 5 – Église de Saint Saturnin, interior, 7th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Romanesque_church_inside,_Saint-Saturnin,_Auvergne,_France.jpg, photography taken in2004.
Figure 6 – Minden Cathedral, windows, 14th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/ wiki/File:2010-10-24_Minden,_Dom_037.jpg, photograph taken in 2010.
West Civilization Final Exam Question 7
1) The Black Death began in Florence, Italy. Unclean conditions in which rat then festered set up Europe for destruction. Through intercourse and just being around each other it began to spread and spread throughout the areas. Rats were the main carriers though; therefore, the number of rats depended on the unclean conditions. This meant terrible, terrible horrors for Europe. For a long time, peoples’ lives would be changed. Friends, family, and complete strangers died in your arms. You yourself were constantly scared some stranger would find you one day dead in some alley. People were frightened and there really was nothing they could do.
2) The first recorded sign was the appearance of buboes which oozed pux and bled if they are opened. In the late-stage of the disease, the persons skin would turn black because of subepidermal hemorrhages called purpura had been created. Gangrene would also cause the extremities to darken. This was how it got the name the Black Death.
3) If the black death were to occur today, there is no way to measure the absolute total devastation that would occur. People would break into mass panic and probably think the world was ending as many people did then. Insane people would jump off bridges. Infection would spread more rapidly due to the larger number of people in the present times. In my opinion, life would end. i would be afraid to go outside or live my life.
3) If the black death were to occur today, there is no way to measure the absolute total devastation that would occur. People would break into mass panic and probably think the world was ending as many people did then. Insane people would jump off bridges. Infection would spread more rapidly due to the larger number of people in the present times. In my opinion, life would end. i would be afraid to go outside or live my life.
West Civilization Final Exam Question 6: PART 2
Dear readers,
I, Saladin, am tired of this unjust behavior and sickly obsessions. Jerusalem should not be fought over as it is a place of peace, love, and religion. We do not want to hurt it; It is sacred to us both. Yet, this outburst is extremely inappropriate and must be done away with. The entire Crusade is unjust. All it has brought is violence. this is not what our Gods would have wanted. They would have wanted us to peacefully agree. Richard though goes and murdered one thousand of capable military forces. Is this a just act I ask? Is this what our God's would want? What is with this war? What are we doing walking around like fools to blind to see we are not really accomplishing anything? You must look inside yourself and ask why you are here and see if that is actually hat is happening. In order to keep Jerusalem sacred, this fighting must stop, he Crusade must end, and people must start to really look deep into their religion .... I cannot watch this go on any longer silent.
With pain,
Saladin
I, Saladin, am tired of this unjust behavior and sickly obsessions. Jerusalem should not be fought over as it is a place of peace, love, and religion. We do not want to hurt it; It is sacred to us both. Yet, this outburst is extremely inappropriate and must be done away with. The entire Crusade is unjust. All it has brought is violence. this is not what our Gods would have wanted. They would have wanted us to peacefully agree. Richard though goes and murdered one thousand of capable military forces. Is this a just act I ask? Is this what our God's would want? What is with this war? What are we doing walking around like fools to blind to see we are not really accomplishing anything? You must look inside yourself and ask why you are here and see if that is actually hat is happening. In order to keep Jerusalem sacred, this fighting must stop, he Crusade must end, and people must start to really look deep into their religion .... I cannot watch this go on any longer silent.
With pain,
Saladin
West Civilization Final Exam Question 6: PART 1
SAVE OUR HOMELAND, JERUSALEM
JOIN AND FIGHT FOR YOUR ANCESTORS ...... SAVE THE ONE THAT SAVES YOU
I, RICHARD THE LIONHEARTED, ask you to join and fight for your brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and their fathers, and then unto their fathers. You will be remembered as the savior to thy Holy father. He will thank you and be grateful.
West Civilization Final Exam Question 5
Cyclic History is a theory which dictates that the major forces that motivate human actions return in in a cycle and simply that history repeats itself. The United States is example of cyclic history in real time. Its resemblance to the Roman Empire makes it an intriguing situation. The common goals and problems of the Roman Empire are also similar to the United States. It is fair to say that the United States is the modern day equivalent to the Roman Empire.
The United States, like the Roman Empire was, is searching for a way to give more of a voice to the people and to become fairer in what they would do. The Senate, the president, and congress continue to do so every day; although, problem still arise and people can still struggle to have their voices heard. The Northwest Arkansas Times showed that this in present times as people wait to address a council. In the Roman Empire, things were not as great as they may have seemed. An excerpt Suetonius (c.69-after 122 CE) De Vita Caesarum: Caius Caligula, it is said that, “When he entered the city, full and absolute power was at once put into his hands by the unanimous consent of the senate and of the mob, which forced its way into the Senate, …..within the next three months, or less than that, more than a hundred and sixty thousand victims are said to have been slain in sacrifice.” This shows two things. The first is that absolute power still remained with one person. Also, it showed that like the United States if you stand strong and really work to get your voice heard it can happen. The similar political problems join the Roman Empire and the United States
Another way that they are alike is that they both enjoyed their parties and having fun. Both certainly enjoyed going out. They also enjoy being wild in celebration of a victory or just because. In the Merced Sun-Star, it talked about some people cooking up both some fun and some food. Everyone loves to party, but it is definitely true that these two civilizations share a special passion for it.
Finally, the final way that they are alike is they were both constantly expanding and wanting to get bigger and bigger. The United States is always focused on advancing and advancing. The Annistan Star’s title today is “Bigger is better,” and the article following goes on about new innovations that are being made.
The United States is the modern day equivalent to the Roman Empire. It constantly wants to be bigger and better and have their voices heard.
The United States is the modern day equivalent to the Roman Empire. It constantly wants to be bigger and better and have their voices heard.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
West Civilization Final Exam Question 4
Herodotus was much more general and opinionated. His writing was brief and he may have missed important details. The article i selected for him was much more general and did not go into great depth about the topics. Also, it was more of an opinion formate than a straight up news article.
Thucydides was more about the straight up facts of the matter. He was extremely detail oriented in his work. the article i choose for him was just a normal factual article that is most concerned with getting the information out for people to see and then form an opinion for themselves.
West Civilization Final Exam Question 3
The Greeks believed that in an underworld deep below the earth. It was a horrible place where Hades and his wife ruled over numerous shadows of people who had died. At the moment of death, the Greeks believed that “psyche” which is the spirit of the dead left the body. Once this happens the body oculd be prepared and buried according to the burial rites set forth. A proper burial was extremely important beginning with the prosthesis, lying out of the body; the ekphora, funeral procession, and then the body was cremated. A big grieving period was especially important. The Egyptian afterlife was similar to the Greeks, but also very different. The Egyptians believed in something called the Ka and how your spiritual heart would be weighted to determine your Ka's fate. Also, like the Greeks they had very specific burial rites that have to be followed. Finally, most importantly the Egyptian's had the pryimaids.
Bibliography
BUDGE, E. A. (1985). The Book of the Dead. Retrieved June 8, 2011, from http://www.sacred-texts.com/egy/ebod/
Death, Burial, and the Afterlife in Ancient Greece. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2011, from Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/dbag/hd_dbag.htm
West Civilization Final Exam Question 2
1) The agricultural revolution was extremely important for many reasons. During this time people began to settle down in one spot giving up their nomadic lives of following the food for farming. Kin result of everyone staying in one place villages and eventually cities were born. This idea of growing food themselves through farming brought big change and farming really took off. Jobs were created by farming as well. People were needed to take care of the crops, protect it, teach others how to do it, take care of people who got hurt, and so on. Overtime as more and more people settled down trade began. Villages would exchange their goods for other more exotic goods or for protection. All of this would eventually lead to the building of roads and bridges to help link villages so that trade could be easier. The agriculture revolution changed the world for the better. It was a huge step in a positive direction.
2) MAP
View The Agricultural Revolution in a larger map
3) The Agricultural system we have today is literally our life support system. People do not realize the enormous impact it has on our lives. Imagine going to the grocery store to find nothing but meat, and not that much of it. Your diet would consist solely as protein and water. Our bodies are so used to a variety of plentiful food fully of many different nutrThe Agricultural system we have today is literally our life support system. People do not realize the enormous impact it has on our lives. Imagine going to the grocery store to find nothing but meat, and not that much of it. Your diet would consist solely as protein and water.
Also, entire civilizations would be turned up side down. The mass chaos would be insane and people would be running to buy guns and weapons. hunting would increase, as well as violence. People would end up fighting over food. The insanity that would be left behind if our agricultural system failed would be devastating and i honestly am not sure how some people would be able to recover.
View The Agricultural Revolution in a larger map
3) The Agricultural system we have today is literally our life support system. People do not realize the enormous impact it has on our lives. Imagine going to the grocery store to find nothing but meat, and not that much of it. Your diet would consist solely as protein and water. Our bodies are so used to a variety of plentiful food fully of many different nutrThe Agricultural system we have today is literally our life support system. People do not realize the enormous impact it has on our lives. Imagine going to the grocery store to find nothing but meat, and not that much of it. Your diet would consist solely as protein and water.
Also, entire civilizations would be turned up side down. The mass chaos would be insane and people would be running to buy guns and weapons. hunting would increase, as well as violence. People would end up fighting over food. The insanity that would be left behind if our agricultural system failed would be devastating and i honestly am not sure how some people would be able to recover.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Worst Job Ever Blog Post
In class, we watched a video on the worst jobs in history especially concentrated in the Middle Ages. All of the jobs would be horrible to have, but I would say being a leech collector would be the absolute worst job to have. First off, leeches are absolutely discussing. In fact, in order to collect them you have to wiggle around and hope they would attach to you. These worms with character repulse me as I hate bugs and worms in general. Woman at that time would be knee deep with disgusting leeches hanging off their legs biting them and sucking the woman’s blood. In order to find them, you had to wade into marshes. The whole idea sounded absolutely horrible. Archers also has particularly gruesome job. Personally, it has a special dislike to me. They would have to kill all of the people left over after battles. Also, if they were captured they would have their fingers sliced off. Also, barber sergeants sound horrible. For one thing, they would have to remove limbs from patients with no anesthetics. I am not sure if I could do that. In addition to this, they do very many other things. They would shove medicine up disturbing places trying to make you feel better. Worst of all it didn’t work even though they thought it did. All of these jobs are repulsing, but these three are particularly upsetting to me.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Amazing History of Hope Kelly
Hope Kelly attended her first year of high school at the John Carroll School. Participating in the Girls Soccer program, she played on the JV soccer team starting. Over the course of the year she learned a lot and changed as person, as she faced new challenges and met new people. Her year at John Carroll was exciting and memorable. Hope learned a lot about herself through the late nights, the bad days and the god, tough classes, and motivational teachers.
When Hope first came to John Carroll, she was definitely focused on her studies and playing for the soccer team to give her talents to the school. She met tons of great new people and survived the freshman struggles of figuring out the lockers and not embarrassing herself to much. Although, when Hope looks back, she realizes that she had not yet made the change to really embracing John Carroll. To her, it was just another school but bigger with more work. As the year went on though John Carroll became more than just another school, but it became a home. Hope really created a bond with some of the teachers and began to make even more friends creating memories and bonds that would last a life time.
Going into the year, Hope remembers a lot of typical freshman problems I had. For one thing, the freshman on the soccer team were definitely hassled a little; although, not as bad as rumors seemed to say. Hope has lamented the fact of carrying the dreaded water back and forth from the locker room to the soccer field. Inside of school, Hope’s greatest problem was coming from private school figuring out lockers. The upper classmen though were great and always helpful.
Hope will never forget her first year at John Carroll. The people and things I have been taught have changed her forever. Most importantly John Carroll has taught Hope many life lessons and also changed her idea of school. It is no longer a boring place you go to learn, but a home with a second family.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Week 9: Final Essay
Week 9: Essay
Question: Why is it so important to understand the Crusades if one is to really understand the culture of the Middle Ages?
The Middle Ages are similar to one big collage, encompassing many different pictures to be examined and appreciated as separate parts, it ultimately should be seen as one common whole. The Crusades are an essential part of the Middle Ages. Beginning in 1092 and going until 1291, the Crusades were the attempts made by the Christian military against Muslim forces for religious reasons including a quest that was to regain control of the Holy land (Crusades, 1996-2011). While there were eight official Crusades, the first one proved to be the most successful (Crusades, 1996-2011). Most influentially, the Crusades left behind many lasting effects. The Crusades played an important role in history; people must first understand the Crusades in order to fully comprehend the culture of the Middle Ages.
Once the Crusades came to a general end, they still had numerous effects on the society they left behind. In one article, it said, “The effects of the Crusades influenced the wealth and power of the Catholic Church, Political matters, commerce, feudalism, intellectual development, social effects, material effects and the effects of the Crusades also prompted the famous Voyages of discovery” (The Crusades). The Crusades were obviously extremely important to the Middle Ages. This was probably due to the many different ways the Crusades seemed to leave their mark on history. Not only did they greatly influence direct links like the church, but it also affected the less connected links like commerce and social habits. In fact most, if not all, of the effects of the Crusades are what make up any culture. Therefore, by saying that, people are saying that the Crusades really did affect the culture of the Middle Ages.
Commerce was probably one of the most important effects of the Crusades. The same article as above explained, “The products of Damascus, Mosul, Alexandria, Cairo, and other great cities were carried across the Mediterranean to the Italian seaports, whence they found their way into all European lands” (The Crusades). This demonstrates how the Crusades greatly extended the market for eastern products and wares in Europe. The entire market for what people could buy and sell changed remarkably. The Crusades also created a more constant demand for men and supplies. In addition, it helped to encourage ship building which would greatly affect not only commerce, but many other things as well. The culture of the Middle Ages was extremely tied into commerce in which the Crusades effected enormously. To understand the commerce of the Middle Ages, people would certainly then need to have an understanding of the Crusades.
The political effects of the Crusades were also one of the very important effects. They show the need for an understanding of the Crusades if people wish to fully understand the Middle Ages. One person wrote, “As to the political effects of the Crusades, they helped to break down the power of the feudal aristocracy and to give prominence to the kings and the people” (The Crusades). This shows how the Crusades caused a change in the politics of the time. In specific, this passage explains that the feudal system that was in effect at the time was greatly weakened, and in turn helped to return some power back to the kings and the people. Also, cities seemingly gained many political advantages due to the expense of the crusading barons and princes. The burgher class during these twelfth and thirteenth centuries had acquired a lot of money from their contributions and loans they paid to their overloads. In fact, they received charters conferring special and valuable privileges to them. Finally, the Crusades helped the advance of the Turks postponing the fall of Constantinople. This in turn helped the early Christian civilization of Germany time. With this time, they were able to gather strength and execute the Mohammedan invasion in the fifteenth century. All of these political changes to the Middle Ages surely proves that the Middle Ages could not be fully understood without better understanding the Crusades.
The Middle Ages cannot be fully understood without an understanding of the Crusades. One of the most important parts of the Middle Ages themselves, was the Crusades. They had great and lasting effects and especially influenced the culture of that time. The influence the crusades had effected things like currency, as well as, social and political economics. In order to completely understand the Middle Ages, one must have a good understanding of the Crusades and theses lasting effects they had.
Bibliography
Crusades. (2009). Retrieved May 3, 2011, from Catholic Encyclopedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04543c.htm
Crusades. (1996-2011). Retrieved May 3, 2011, from History.com: http://www.history.com/topics/crusades
Crawford, P. (1997). Crusades: Legacy. Retrieved May 4, 2011, from Medieval Sourcebook: http://www.the-orb.net/encyclop/religion/crusades/legacy.html
Effects of the Crusades. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2011, from Middle-ages.org: http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/effects-of-crusades.htm
The Crusades. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2011, from Middle-ages.org: http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/the-crusades.htm
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Week 9: Draft
Week 9: Essay
Question: Why is it so important to understand the crusades if one is to really understand the culture of the middle Ages?
The middle ages are similar to one big collage encompassing many different pictures to be examined and appreciated as separate parts, but also ultimately as one common whole. The crusades are an essential part of the middle ages. Beginning in 1092 and going until 1291, the crusades were the attempts made by the Christian military against Muslim forces for religious reasons including a quest to regain control of the Holy land (Crusades, 1996-2011). While there were eight official crusades, the first one proved to be the most successful (Crusades, 1996-2011). Most influentially, the crusades left behind many lasting effects. The crusades played important role in history; people must first understand the crusades in order to fully comprehend the culture of the middle ages. (The crusades did not impact history; therefore, you can still understand the culture of the middle ages fully without also having a good understanding of the Crusades.)
Once the crusades came to a general end, it still had numerous effects on the society it left behind. In one article, it said, “The effects of the Crusades influenced the wealth and power of the Catholic Church, Political matters, commerce, feudalism, intellectual development, social effects, material effects and the effects of the crusades also prompted the famous Voyages of discovery” (The Crusades). The crusades were obviously extremely important to the middle ages. This was probably due to the many different ways the crusades seemed to leave their mark on history. Not only did they greatly influence direct links like the church, but it also affected the less connected links like commerce and social habits. In fact most, if not all, of the effects of the crusades are what make up any culture. Therefore, by saying that, you are saying that the crusades really did affect the culture of the middle ages.
Commerce was probably one of the most important effects of the crusades. The same article as above explained, “The products of Damascus, Mosul, Alexandria, Cairo, and other great cities were carried across the Mediterranean to the Italian seaports, whence they found their way into all European lands” (The Crusades). This demonstrates how the crusades greatly extended the market for eastern products and wares in Europe. The entire market for what people could buy and sell changed remarkably. The crusades also created a more constant demand for men and supplies. In addition, it helped to encourage ship building which would greatly affect not only commerce, but many other things as well. The culture of the middle ages was extremely tied into commerce in which the crusades effected enormously. To understand the commerce of the middle ages, people would certainly then need to have an understanding of the crusades.
The political effects of the crusades were also very important and show the need for an understanding of the crusades if people wish to fully understand the middle ages. One person wrote, “As to the political effects of the Crusades, they helped to break down the power of the feudal aristocracy and to give prominence to the kings and the people” (The Crusades). This shows how the crusades caused a change in the politics of the time. In specific, this passage explains that the feudal system that was in effect at the time was greatly weakened, and in turn helped to return some power back to the kings and the people. Also, cities seemingly gained many political advantages due to the expense of the crusading barons and princes. The burgher class during these twelfth and thirteenth centuries had acquired a lot of money from their contributions and loans they paid to their overloads. In fact, they received charters conferring special and valuable privileges to them. Finally, the crusades helped the advance of the Turks postponing the fall of Constantinople. This in turn helped the early Christian civilization of Germany time. With this time, they were able to gather strength and execute the Mohammedan invasion in the fifteenth century. All of these political changes to the middle ages surely proves that the middle ages could not be fully understood without better understanding the crusades.
The middle ages were made up of many different things. One of the very important and impactful parts was the crusades. They had great and lasting effects on the middle ages. The crusades especially influenced the culture of that time because of the influence it had on things like currency, as well as, social and political economics. In order to completely understand the middle ages, you must have a good understanding of the crusades and the lasting effects they had.
Bibliography
Crusades. (1996-2011). Retrieved May 3, 2011, from History.com: http://www.history.com/topics/crusades
Effects of the Crusades. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2011, from Middle-ages.org: http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/effects-of-crusades.htm
The Crusades. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2011, from Middle-ages.org: http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/the-crusades.htm
The Crusades. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2011, from Middle-ages.org: http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/the-crusades.htm
Friday, April 29, 2011
Week 8: Essay
Week 8: Essay
Question: How do Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals express different understandings about religious
theology?
In life, there are so many things that affect people’s decisions and actions that go unnoticed. The Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals were enormously affected by the political and social situation of their time, as well as, the theological views expressed by the people alive at that time. Outside forces impacted how these buildings were constructed. Religion, though, was largely a part of what the cathedral’s stood for. The designs of the cathedrals tell you about the peoples’ faith and what they believed about God. Both kinds of cathedrals were highly dependent on the current political situations, but still deeply reflected the theological virtues of the people and both have important religious meanings.
The Romanesque cathedrals appear often like fortresses. They were built partially as a place for the community to go for safety when outside invaders would attack because of the political unrest. In the pictures of the exterior and interior of the cathedrals, the walls are look to be built to withstand attacks and stand strong like a fortress (Figure 4 and Figure 5). The style seen there is typical Romanesque style architecture. In the exterior picture, it even show towers which can be used to fight back against enemies and high windows for protection. Also, in the interior, the same thickness and roughness is found. The theological influences can also be seen inside. During the Romanesque period of time, people were focused on the coming of the judgment day. Therefore, their religious places reflected that with dark cold enviorments. Romanesque reflected those religious views; therefore it expressed understandings of religion and theological virtues, as well as, the political situation.
Gothic cathedrals, constructed after the Romanesque period, had a different completely different view cosmetically, but still also represented theological and religious understandings. Pictures below demonstrate the openness and large illuminated windows found in the Gothic cathedrals that caused a warmer environment for the people (Figure 1 and Figure 2). In these pictures, the Gothic cathedrals are noticeably more decorative. These seem to be more in depth and have tons of religious pictures and art all around. Extravagant windows and large pictures really make these cathedrals distinct form the Romanesque cathedrals. The focus of religion by this point in history was letting the light of God into the lives of the people. You see this displayed especially in those large windows that cathedrals were unable to have in the Romanesque period due to imposing invaders that might destroy them. Theology can be clearly seen in Gothic cathedrals, in addition to the every present social and political situations that seem to have an ever present touch on the church.
One key point that has determined the difference between the two styles of cathedrals or the architecture is the windows. In the first picture, Romanesque windows are viewed (Figure 6), but in the other picture Gothic windows are seen (Figure 3). The Romanesque windows are high and up away from the ground helping to create the fortress and tough feel Romanesque cathedrals bring. They also were designed to keep out invaders and keep the people inside protected. The theological idea of judgment day, strongly observed at this time backed this up the design of these windows also. It may have encouraged people of that time to always look up to God and forward to the future. The gothic windows, on the other hand, were open and let tons of light in supporting their message of letting god’s light into their lives. These windows represent what their religion was all about. Something, that was as simple as the windows, was designed in a way that even a theological understanding could be found in it.
Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals express to people an understanding about theology, religion, and showed the major beliefs people of that time had. These cathedrals also had practical political and social consideration put into them, but only in addition to the more important religious meanings they display. While Romanesque cathedrals appear as fortresses, they were designed with the religious thoughts on judgment day; the gothic cathedrals were built for their time too, but also showed the people’s theology of opening up to God’s light. Therefore, both had a religious presence in their architecture. Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals express understandings about religious theology, though they are different in looks and design.
Appendix
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Bibliography
Figure 1 - Saint Michel et Gudule de Bruxelles, facade, 13th to 15th century, http://commons.wiki media.org/wiki/File:Saints-Michel-et-Gudule_Luc_Viatour.jpg, photograph taken in 2008.
Figure 2 – Duomo di Orvieto, facade, 14th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Duo mo_of_Orvieto.jpg, photograph taken in 2005.
Figure 3 – Minden Cathedral, windows, 14th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20 10-10-24_Minden,_Dom_014.jpg, photograph taken in 2010.
Figure 4 – Celles, facade, 5th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Celles_JPG00.jpg , photograph taken in 2005.
Figure 5 – Église de Saint Saturnin, interior, 7th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Romanesque_church_inside,_Saint-Saturnin,_Auvergne,_France.jpg, photography taken in2004.
Figure 6 – Minden Cathedral, windows, 14th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/ wiki/File:2010-10-24_Minden,_Dom_037.jpg, photograph taken in 2010.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Week 8: DRAFT
Week 8: DRAFT
Question: How do Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals express different understandings about religious
theology?
In life, there are so many things that affect people’s decisions and actions that they never even realize. The Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals were enormously affected by the political and social situation of their time, as well as, the theological views expressed by those people. Outside forces impacted how these buildings were constructed. Religion, though, was largely a part of what the cathedral’s stood for. The designs of the cathedrals tell you a lot about the peoples’ faith. Both kinds of cathedrals were highly depended on the current political situations, but still deeply reflected the theological virtues of the people and both have important religious meanings. (Both Kinds of cathedral’s architecture was only dependent on the current situation of their locations and their political problems instead of theological reasons.)
The Romanesque cathedrals appear often like fortresses. They were built to in part be a place for the community to go for safety when the Vikings or other invaders would attack because of the political unrest. In the pictures, of the exterior and interior of the cathedrals, the walls are found to be built to withstand attacks and stand strong like a fortress (Figure 4 and Figure 5). The style seen there is typical Romanesque style architecture. In the exterior picture, it even show towers which can be used to fight back against enemies and high windows for protection. Also, in the interior, the same thickness, roughness is found. The theological side can also be seen inside. During the Romanesque period of time, people were focused on the coming of the judgment day. Therefore, their religious places reflected that. Romanesque reflected those religious views; therefore it expressed understandings of religion and theological virtues, as well as, the political situation.
Gothic cathedrals, constructed after the Romanesque period, had a different completely different view cosmetically, but still in the end also represented theological and religious understandings. Pictures below demonstrate the openness and large illuminated windows found in the Gothic cathedrals (Figure 1 and Figure 2). In these pictures, the Gothic cathedrals are noticeably more decorative. These seem to be more in depth and have more religious pictures all around. Extravagant windows and large pictures really make these cathedrals distinct form the Romanesque cathedrals. The focus of religion by this point in history was letting the light of God into their lives. You see this displayed again especially in those large windows that cathedrals were unable to have in the Romanesque period due to imposing invaders. Theology can be clearly seen in play in Gothic cathedrals, in addition to the every present social and political situations ever present touch on the church.
One key point that has determined the difference between the two styles of cathedrals and architecture is the windows. In the first picture, Romanesque windows are viewed (Figure 6), but in the other picture Gothic windows are seen (Figure 3). The Romanesque windows are high and up away from the ground helping to create the fortress and tough feel Romanesque cathedrals bring. The theological idea of judgment day, strongly observed at this time backed this up. It may have encouraged people of that time to always look up to God and forward to the future. The gothic windows were open and let tons of light in supporting their message of letting god’s light into their lives. These windows represent what their religion was all about. Something, that was as simple as the windows, was designed in a way that even a theological understanding could be found in it.
Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals express to people and understanding about theology, religion, and showed them the major beliefs they had. These cathedrals also had practical political and social uses, but they still gave religious meanings more importantly as well. While Romanesque cathedrals appear as fortresses that it was, they were designed with the religious thoughts on judgment day; the gothic cathedrals were built for that time, but also showed its theology of opening up to God’s light. Both had a religious presence in their architecture. Therefore, Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals express understandings about religious theology, though they may be different.
Appendix
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| Figure 1 |
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| Figure 2 |
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| Figure 3 |
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| Figure 4 |
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| Figure 5 |
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| Figure 6 |
Bibliography
Figure 1 - Saint Michel et Gudule de Bruxelles, facade, 13th to 15th century, http://commons.wiki media.org/wiki/File:Saints-Michel-et-Gudule_Luc_Viatour.jpg, photograph taken in 2008.
Figure 2 – Duomo di Orvieto, facade, 14th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Duo mo_of_Orvieto.jpg, photograph taken in 2005.
Figure 3 – Minden Cathedral, windows, 14th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20 10-10-24_Minden,_Dom_014.jpg, photograph taken in 2010.
Figure 4 – Celles, facade, 5th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Celles_JPG00.jpg , photograph taken in 2005.
Figure 5 – Église de Saint Saturnin, interior, 7th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Romanesque_church_inside,_Saint-Saturnin,_Auvergne,_France.jpg, photography taken in2004.
Figure 6 – Minden Cathedral, windows, 14th century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/ wiki/File:2010-10-24_Minden,_Dom_037.jpg, photograph taken in 2010.
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