Chapter 8: The Expansion of Europe: Economy, Society, and Politics in the High Middle Ages
Research Topics
The Holy Crusades
Why did Europe need to embark on a series of armed expeditions to the Holy Lands? What do the Crusades tell us about the faith of medieval Christian society?
By the beginning of the 14th century, Europe had become a dominant political, military and economic power. The causes for European recovery were many but serfdom, feudalism, the Crusades and the growth of monarchical institutions in England, France and Germany certainly played a major role. In this section you can investigate some of the religious implications of the High Middle Ages.
Why did Europe need to embark on a series of armed expeditions to the Holy Lands? What do the Crusades tell us about the faith of medieval Christian society?
By the beginning of the 14th century, Europe had become a dominant political, military and economic power. The causes for European recovery were many but serfdom, feudalism, the Crusades and the growth of monarchical institutions in England, France and Germany certainly played a major role. In this section you can investigate some of the religious implications of the High Middle Ages.
- The Law of the Family of the Bishop of Worms, 1023
The Bishop of Worms specifies that the laws of the family will be the same for rich and poor alike. - The Truce of God, issued at Cologne (1083)
The "Truce of God" speaks of the general failure of feudalism to secure peace and order. - Speech of Urban II at the Council of Clermont, November 26, 1095
Two contemporary accounts of Pope Urban's speech at Clermont setting the wheels of the Crusades in motion. - Anselm of Ribemont to Manasses II, Archbishop of Reims, before Antioch, about February 10, 1098
One of the most brilliant figures of the First Crusade, Anselme of Ribemont relates his experience at the siege of Antioch to the Archbishop of Reims. - Stephen, Count of Blois and Chartres, to His Wife, Adele, before Antioch, March 29, 1098
One of the richest and most able of the princes who took part in the First Crusade, Stephen writes to his wife about his experience at Antioch. - Daimbert, Godfrey and Raymond, to the Pope, Laodicea, September, 1099
One of the most widely read letters to have emerged from the First Crusade. - Viscount of Carcassone does homage to the abbot of St. Mary of Grasse (1110)
An excellent description of the act of homage and swearing fealty. - The Sack of Constantinople, c. 1205
Various accounts of the "compact of division" and inventory of relics stolen during the sack of Constantinople.
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