Gothic Cathedrals
Although the Dark Ages were filled with many devastating famines, great achievements were evolving in European society. Gothic Cathedrals were one of these major advancements in architecture and religion. Gothic architects designed these massive cathedrals to awe anyone who entered. The buildings consisted of many many windows with detailed pictures of religious visions. The bright colors of the windows brought glowing light into Cathedrals. Peoples’ eyes were drawn toward the amazing art, as if they were looking up toward heaven. Anyone in the towering church would feel a sense of God watching over them because of the intricate art and the beauty of the Gothic architecture.
As Gothic architects throughout Medieval Europe heard of the massive Cathedrals being built in other towns, they wanted to construct their own massive creation, taller and bigger than the other architects. The competition between Gothic architects overthrew their knowledge of construction as many Cathedrals were built. While the structures became more magnificent, they became very unsafe.
Gothic Cathedrals may have been beautiful buildings, but they paid a price. As the first Gothic Cathedrals began to age, their tall, unsupported archways slowly crumbled. Gothic architects acted quickly to discover how they could save their pressure cathedrals from falling to the ground. Ribbed vaults and flying buttresses were invented to support the arches from above and beside. This was an architectural advancement that has allowed these intricate buildings to last for centuries, and some still stand today. Altogether, Gothic Cathedrals were a way for the church to bring light into their world when life was dark around them.
-Linnea S.
As Gothic architects throughout Medieval Europe heard of the massive Cathedrals being built in other towns, they wanted to construct their own massive creation, taller and bigger than the other architects. The competition between Gothic architects overthrew their knowledge of construction as many Cathedrals were built. While the structures became more magnificent, they became very unsafe.
Gothic Cathedrals may have been beautiful buildings, but they paid a price. As the first Gothic Cathedrals began to age, their tall, unsupported archways slowly crumbled. Gothic architects acted quickly to discover how they could save their pressure cathedrals from falling to the ground. Ribbed vaults and flying buttresses were invented to support the arches from above and beside. This was an architectural advancement that has allowed these intricate buildings to last for centuries, and some still stand today. Altogether, Gothic Cathedrals were a way for the church to bring light into their world when life was dark around them.
-Linnea S.
Monasteries, Universities, and Learning
In Medieval Times, not much was known about the world, and not many people tended to have a sizable amount of knowledge. People were becoming curious about how the world worked, and why different beliefs and superstitions existed. The citizens of medieval Europe wanted to gain more knowledge.
Monasteries or monk communities greatly valued knowledge. They worked to help preserve and study ancient manuscripts as well as the writings of many famous literary experts from the preceding Roman Empire. Sadly, monk communities did not often reach out to the surrounding towns, and only studied information related to the church. Someone could only learn from the monks if he/she traveled to a monastery.
Outside of monasteries, those who were becoming more curious about science and the world around them developed centers of learning, or universities. Universities were at first made by the church to help people learn about religion. Although, Universities soon developed into places where people could learn about the world around them. Universities were taught by members of the clergy and not only taught about religion, but about science, medicine, astronomy, and even law. All classes were taught in the language of latin.
All around Europe learning was becoming more advanced. Anyone could now go to a university and be taught, as long as they had a thirst for knowledge and a desire to learn. People began to learn much more about science and medicine, therefore also greatly improving the medical field. The Dark Ages were getting lighter.
-Ryan d.
Monasteries or monk communities greatly valued knowledge. They worked to help preserve and study ancient manuscripts as well as the writings of many famous literary experts from the preceding Roman Empire. Sadly, monk communities did not often reach out to the surrounding towns, and only studied information related to the church. Someone could only learn from the monks if he/she traveled to a monastery.
Outside of monasteries, those who were becoming more curious about science and the world around them developed centers of learning, or universities. Universities were at first made by the church to help people learn about religion. Although, Universities soon developed into places where people could learn about the world around them. Universities were taught by members of the clergy and not only taught about religion, but about science, medicine, astronomy, and even law. All classes were taught in the language of latin.
All around Europe learning was becoming more advanced. Anyone could now go to a university and be taught, as long as they had a thirst for knowledge and a desire to learn. People began to learn much more about science and medicine, therefore also greatly improving the medical field. The Dark Ages were getting lighter.
-Ryan d.
Castle Construction
The engineering achievement of castles in medieval times was a great technological advancement. Castles were complex structures in that period of time that had made a huge step in engineering, while inspiring architects for centuries to follow. Architecture was basic in the years preceding the development of castles. After the Roman Empire fell, engineering took a large step backward into darkness and away from knowledge. Warfare was very common afterwards and kings were struggling to defend their land. From this, resulted the need for a structure that would help defend each kingdom from invaders. From this, the idea of castles began.
At first castles were very simplistic with the motte and bailey design. This consisted of a tall, steep mound atop of which a tower sat. This ‘motte’ was connected to a lower area- the ‘bailey’- where knights quarters were located. The motte and bailey was surrounded by a wall, and outside of that a moat. People realized that this idea greatly helped medieval defense. Although, this design was a bit flawed, the wood that created these structures did not provide enough strength and was easy to burn down. Because of this, the engineers stepped of their game, and remembering the great structures from the Roman Empire, began to build with stone. stone allowed engineers to create more massive structures that were much harder to destroy. The idea of castles blossomed. Many kingdoms began constructing castles hoping to create an impenetrable structure to defend their land. Although, to thrive while maintaining tight security, the castles required craftspeople to live within their walls. Families expanded and people began to come to live at the castle. The population expanded beyond the castle walls and the rise of towns began. Castles thrived and seemed undefeatable. Although, the invention of gunpowder brought down castles with powerful weapons that could quickly destroy stone walls. The idea of castles slowly was replaced by an active work force or army. Even though the idea of castles is now ended, castles created a huge step in engineering, technology, and in community, and can still be seen today.
-Ryan d.
At first castles were very simplistic with the motte and bailey design. This consisted of a tall, steep mound atop of which a tower sat. This ‘motte’ was connected to a lower area- the ‘bailey’- where knights quarters were located. The motte and bailey was surrounded by a wall, and outside of that a moat. People realized that this idea greatly helped medieval defense. Although, this design was a bit flawed, the wood that created these structures did not provide enough strength and was easy to burn down. Because of this, the engineers stepped of their game, and remembering the great structures from the Roman Empire, began to build with stone. stone allowed engineers to create more massive structures that were much harder to destroy. The idea of castles blossomed. Many kingdoms began constructing castles hoping to create an impenetrable structure to defend their land. Although, to thrive while maintaining tight security, the castles required craftspeople to live within their walls. Families expanded and people began to come to live at the castle. The population expanded beyond the castle walls and the rise of towns began. Castles thrived and seemed undefeatable. Although, the invention of gunpowder brought down castles with powerful weapons that could quickly destroy stone walls. The idea of castles slowly was replaced by an active work force or army. Even though the idea of castles is now ended, castles created a huge step in engineering, technology, and in community, and can still be seen today.
-Ryan d.
Islamic Cultural Achievements
When many people think about the the Dark Ages, they think of it as a waste of history, a “Black Hole in Time”, or, most commonly, a ‘dark age.’ However, farther to the east, was a land of culture and discovery known as Saudi Arabia. While the Europeans died of sickness and lived short lives, the Muslims thrived and were so rich with innovative discoveries that many called it the ‘Golden Age’. Many of the devices and gadgets used today such as cameras, automobiles, and the clock were all Muslim based achievements. Sadly many people today don’t accredit the amazing and ingenious works of Islamic breakthroughs.
Among many of the needed devices, a machine telling time was near the top of the list. As modern society grew, we as humans began to live our lives under a strict schedule that was run by the clock. An early device that was used to tell time was known as the astrolabe. Although Muslims weren’t the first to invent the astrolabe, they made very complicated and well designed ones that could tell time a lot more accurately than the primitive ones of the Greeks.
One thing that distinguished the Muslims from the Europeans is that the life expectancy for Muslims tended to be longer. This came from the many remedies and medical tools used to heal the sick and mend the hurt. Inventors of medicine’s included Al-razi and Ahmad Y hassan. Surgery came to play when al-Zahwari invented many surgical tool that included scalpels, bone-saws, forceps, fine scissors, and catgut (All of which are still used today).
For all of these inventions to surface, they had to have knowledge on the topic they were working on. One cannot simply make a clock without prior knowledge on engineering. Knowledge comes from others. A place for sharing knowledge in books was known as The House of Wisdom. Sitting in the busy town of Baghdad, this library was for scholars to write their discoveries and publicize it for others to gain knowledge. These books helped the spread of innovation. Any Muslim could enter and learn. Thus, more and more people had the opportunity to learn how to read and write.
In conclusion, the Dark Ages were not truly dark. Although the times in Europe were actually very sorrowful and quite dark, In The middle east, the Golden age of discovery blossomed and inventions that relate to our world today.
-Daniel H.
(Here is a helpful and entertaining video to summarize the topic http://www.1001inventions.com/media/video/library.)
Among many of the needed devices, a machine telling time was near the top of the list. As modern society grew, we as humans began to live our lives under a strict schedule that was run by the clock. An early device that was used to tell time was known as the astrolabe. Although Muslims weren’t the first to invent the astrolabe, they made very complicated and well designed ones that could tell time a lot more accurately than the primitive ones of the Greeks.
One thing that distinguished the Muslims from the Europeans is that the life expectancy for Muslims tended to be longer. This came from the many remedies and medical tools used to heal the sick and mend the hurt. Inventors of medicine’s included Al-razi and Ahmad Y hassan. Surgery came to play when al-Zahwari invented many surgical tool that included scalpels, bone-saws, forceps, fine scissors, and catgut (All of which are still used today).
For all of these inventions to surface, they had to have knowledge on the topic they were working on. One cannot simply make a clock without prior knowledge on engineering. Knowledge comes from others. A place for sharing knowledge in books was known as The House of Wisdom. Sitting in the busy town of Baghdad, this library was for scholars to write their discoveries and publicize it for others to gain knowledge. These books helped the spread of innovation. Any Muslim could enter and learn. Thus, more and more people had the opportunity to learn how to read and write.
In conclusion, the Dark Ages were not truly dark. Although the times in Europe were actually very sorrowful and quite dark, In The middle east, the Golden age of discovery blossomed and inventions that relate to our world today.
-Daniel H.
(Here is a helpful and entertaining video to summarize the topic http://www.1001inventions.com/media/video/library.)
China's Second Golden Age
China’s Second Golden Age, better known as the Tang and Song Dynasty, was just as it’s name implied it was a ‘golden’ age of discovery and government. This age was very successful in life and flourishment During the years 960-1279, China was considered the most rich and advanced country in the world with the population and life expectancy rocketing upward because of food surpluses which was a result of better farming and trade. This was a time when the two great dynasties known as the Tang and Song went through an era of prosperity and innovation. Farming and trade was took a huge effect on the Chinese. Farming was increased by fast growing rice. This rice was was able to ripen quicker than those before, thus increasing the amount of trade that was able to be done. An increase in food lead to food surpluses which lead to an increase in population. China was not only an innovative country, but it was also very influential which came from trade with other countries. Inventions ranged from gunpowder, to the idea of having the number zero. The Chinese invented paper money which allowed people to keep light money rather than coins, gunpowder to make bombs, and finally the compass, a director for sailors lost at sea. All of the inventions of China significantly affect the way we see things today. It was another era along with the Islamic that showed us that the Dark Ages were not nearly as Dark as we thought.