After the fall of the Roman Empire, dramatic changes were to occur in the form of literature and architecture in the Mediaeval Ages. A Feudal system encouraged and supported individualism and secularism. Newfound peace and stability allowed for the growth of creativity, creating a literary shift from Epic to Romance, and architecturally from Romanesque to Gothic.

The Mediaeval Age began after the fall of the Roman Empire. One of the most important works from this period, the Bayeux Tapestry is embroidery that is roughly 20 inches tall and 230 feet long. The pictorial narrative can be recognized as highly historically important, its story telling of the events that led up to and also include the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. The significance of the Tapestry is that its use of Latin explains the story being depicted. However the universal appeal allows those who cannot understand Latin or read it to follow along and understand the historical event. The tapestry was commissioned by William the Conqueror’s half-brother Odo, and is argued to have been made in Kent, England. The story of the Tapestry begins in 1064 with Harold Godwinson, earl of Wessex whose ship is seized i

n Ponthieu and is then captured and subsequently freed by William, duke of Normandy. William becomes jealous of Harold’s supposed usurpation of his rightful throne after the death of King Edward, and in the battle of Hastings Harold is killed. The Normans rise to power, and William the Conqueror is now the leader.

To continue the Epic theme as discussed in the Bayeux Tapestry, The Song of Roland is a French Epic poem categorized as the best of the “chanson de geste.” Written in the late 11th century, the poem describes King Charlemagne in one of his battles with the Muslims in Spain. The crusades were a highly integral part of life during his reign. The poem has all of the characteristics of an Epic, courage, honor, valor, religious zeal, but also includes music for the emotional effect. Heroism is described in the poem without regard to religion, but rather to the effect of loyalty and vassalage, a concept derived directly from Feudal concepts. The Song of Roland is evidence of the Feudal society and its effect on the culture. No longer did people have to constantly fight for their lives and land. The peaceful time allowed for the emergence of a new genre of art, one with romance as a key element.

The cathedral in Chartres created in 1194, is often called the prototype Gothic building, and is a beautifully unified building. It is characterized by massive flying buttresses, large stained glass windows, and attention to detail. The labyrinth is a unique element, aimed at representing a pilgrimage one may make, possibly to Jerusalem. The path may look like a maze, but in fact is one straight path one can make while saying prayers, symbolizing the religious path one makes in their lifetime to get to heaven.

In the Bayeux Tapestry, the story and the artistic style both display German influence, the content describing the brotherhood and allegiance Harold shared with William. At the instance of Harold’s betrayal, William immediately sets out for revenge. This huge value placed on loyalty and honor is greatly similar to that of Germanic culture. The colorfully stylized borders, detailed animal representations, along with the human figures lacking dimension are typical characteristics of Germanic art.

An example of Gothic architecture was the cathedral of St. Denis, created by the previously mentioned Abbot Suger from 1141-1144. He was commissioned by King Louis VII, showing the unification of church and state.

Some topics in this essay:
Virgin Mary, Bayeux Tapestry, Feudal Lords, Cathedral Durham, Eastern Celtic, Louis VI, Muslims Spain, French Kings, Catholic Church, Britain Women, bayeux tapestry, roman empire, king louis, louis vii, louis vi, romanesque architecture, importance women, epic romance, gothic architecture, st denis, fall roman empire, stained glass windows, commissioned king louis, shift epic romance, king louis vii,