What Textbooks Teach
- The "Dark Ages" - a time of ignorance and superstition
- The Church suppressed science and learning
- Crusades were Christian violence against peaceful Muslims
- Renaissance "rescued" Europe from religious darkness
Colonial Era to Civil War
The "Middle Ages" or "Medieval Period" spans roughly 500-1500 AD. How you view this era depends on your perspective - textbooks often have a very different view than what actually happened.
Feudalism was oppressive - serfs were basically slaves with no freedom.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Everyone was dirty and diseased | Many towns had public baths; hygiene was valued |
| People thought the earth was flat | Educated people knew it was round (from ancient Greeks) |
| No learning or science | Universities founded; agricultural advances made |
| Constant warfare | Many long periods of peace; "Pax" times |
1. List the four levels of feudal society:
2. Name one myth about the Middle Ages and the reality:
The "Church" of the Middle Ages was actually TWO very different things:
"Morning Star of the Reformation"
1. Difference between institutional church and true believers?
2. Why was Wycliffe important?
Crusades were unprovoked Christian aggression.
| Before 1095 | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 636 AD | Muslims conquer Jerusalem |
| 711 AD | Muslims invade Spain |
| 732 AD | Stopped at Tours, France |
| 1009 AD | Church of Holy Sepulchre destroyed |
| 1071 AD | Byzantines plead for Western help |
Some aspects legitimate defense; others problematic (indulgences, violence).
1. What events happened before the Crusades?