¿Qué es la Edad Media?

Summary

This video provides an insightful overview of the Medieval Age, a period marked by the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of feudalism. It explores the two main phases of the era: the High Middle Ages, where feudalism and the church had significant power, and the Late Middle Ages, characterized by the Crusades, economic crises, and the rise of the bourgeoisie. The church played a dominant role in education and society, while a growing shift towards universities in the 12th century began to challenge established authorities. The video also highlights the social structure, education, and religious influence during this fascinating historical period.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Medieval Age marks a transition between the Ancient and Modern Ages, often seen as a period of stagnation in technology and education.
• 😀 The Medieval Age began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of barbarian groups like the Visigoths and Vandals.
• 😀 The end of the Medieval Age is debated, with some considering it to end with the fall of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) or with the rediscovery of America.
• 😀 The High Middle Ages (9th-11th centuries) saw the rise of feudalism, where lords controlled land and peasants worked for protection and resources.
• 😀 The Low Middle Ages (12th-15th centuries) were marked by the Crusades, economic decline, and the rise of the bourgeoisie class of artisans and merchants.
• 😀 The Church had immense power during this time, controlling education, culture, and societal norms.
• 😀 The feudal system divided society into the privileged (nobles and clergy) and non-privileged (peasants and vassals).
• 😀 The rise of universities in the 12th century allowed for new ideas and challenges to the authority of the Church and feudal systems.
• 😀 Literature flourished during the Medieval Age, with works such as epic poetry, romantic tales, and moralistic literature becoming popular.
• 😀 The Crusades were religious wars initiated by the Catholic Church, aiming to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim control, causing deep religious and political divisions.

Q & A

What marks the beginning and end of the Middle Ages?

The Middle Ages began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire, caused by invasions from barbarian tribes, and ended with the fall of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) when the Turks took Constantinople, or alternatively, with the European 'rediscovery' of America.

What are the two main periods of the Middle Ages?

The two main periods of the Middle Ages are the Early Middle Ages, which spanned from the 9th to the 11th century, and the Late Middle Ages, which lasted from the 12th to the 15th century.

What significant political system emerged during the Early Middle Ages?

The feudal system emerged during the Early Middle Ages, where lords, known as feudal lords, owned land and had power over serfs and vassals who worked for them in exchange for protection.

What role did the Church play in the Early Middle Ages?

The Church had significant power during the Early Middle Ages, not only in religious matters but also politically and socially. The clergy were powerful figures, and the Church had control over education and many cultural aspects.

How did the Crusades impact Europe?

The Crusades, a series of military campaigns launched between the 11th and 15th centuries, were meant to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim rule, but they also contributed to the weakening of feudalism, social upheaval, and economic changes as people left for war and many serfs migrated to cities.

What triggered the economic crisis during the Late Middle Ages?

The economic crisis in the Late Middle Ages was caused by a combination of bad harvests, increased prices, and the impact of ongoing wars, leading to poverty, social unrest, and migrations from rural areas to cities.

What was the significance of the rise of the bourgeoisie?

The rise of the bourgeoisie, composed of artisans and merchants, marked the beginning of a new social class that challenged the old feudal order and helped shift the social structure, contributing to the gradual decline of feudalism.

What was the role of universities in the Late Middle Ages?

Universities that emerged in the Late Middle Ages were crucial in advancing education and intellectual freedom. They became centers for questioning authority and promoting free thought, with faculties in arts, medicine, law, and theology.

What was the impact of the Church's power over education during the Middle Ages?

The Church had a monopoly over education during the early Middle Ages, with limited access to learning. However, by the 12th century, universities began to emerge, enabling more intellectual freedom and a broader scope for education.

How did the structure of society in the Middle Ages affect the lives of common people?

The structure of medieval society was rigid, with peasants and serfs having little freedom. They were bound to the land and often worked under harsh conditions for their feudal lords, with few opportunities to change their social status.