The Middle Ages 449 1485 Key concepts Millennium

The Middle Ages (449 – 1485) Key concepts Millennium p. 13

Romans leave Britain in A D 410 Strong Celtic element in medieval Britain Strong influence of Christianity on cultural life Norman invasion in 1066 Magna Carta granted in 1215 by King John Lackland Germanic tribes invade Britain AD 449 – introduction of Germanic languages, sagas and myths Legend of King Arthur Churches and monasteries become important cultural centres for the preservation of books, architecture, sculpture, painting. 2 consequences: 1. introduction of Feudal system; 2. French language and culture exert a great influence on English culture. Monarch’s power is limited: first formal document stating that the monarch was as much under the rule of law as his people

Medieval poetry anonymous ; Impossible to date it precisely. Didactic and moral function of poetry Drama – most popular form of art Important poetical genre - the ballad. 1. use of a simple metrical pattern – the quatrain – consisting of four lines in each stanza; 2. language used: simple and archaic; 3. composed and sung by common people for common people. Narrative poem, like Chaucer’s “Canterbury tales”, – particularly suited for this purpose. connected with the development of the middle class and the creation of religious and trade guilds* *guild = an organization of people who do the same job or have the same interests.