·
Medieval comes from a Latin word which means
‘time in the middle’. The Medieval Period is the period between the Ancient and
the Modem periods.
·
The Messiah is a liberator of an oppressed
people or country/ the promised deliverer of the Jews.
·
The Christ is the Messiah/the title given to
Jesus.
·
The Old Testament constitutes the first
major part of the Bible. It is traditionally divided into the categories of
law, history, poetry (or wisdom books) and prophecy.
·
Baptism is the Christian rite of sprinkling water
on a person’s forehead or immersing him/her in water, symbolizing purification
and admission to the Christian church.
·
Resurrected means to be returned to life after
death.
·
The Gospels are the first four books of the
New Testament (the second part of the Bible) that tell the story of Christ’s
life and teachings.
·
The Goths, the Vandals and the Franks were
European tribes which invaded the Roman and Greek empires in the Early Medieval
Period.
·
Crusades were the holy wars waged by the
Christians against the Turks, who had captured the lands of the Christian
emperor of Constantinople and Jerusalem (the holy land of the Christians).
Time To
Learn
I. Fill in the blanks:
Christianity
was founded by Jesus Christ. He began preaching at the age of thirty.
Jesus criticized all
harmful activities and evils.
Galerius
Constantine recognized Christianity.
Constantine
established a new capital at Byzantine in AD 330.
The last
Roman emperor, Romulus Augustus was deposed in AD 476.
II. Match Column A with Column B:
Answer:
III. State whether the following statements are True or False:
Paul spread
the teachings of Christ in Greece and Rome.
True.
Emperor
Charlemagne recognised Christianity in AD 313.
False. Emperor Constantine embraced Christianity in AD 313.
The head of
the Roman Church, the Pope, was considered the representative of Christ on
Earth.
True.
Constantinople
fell in AD 1453.
True.
Crusades
were fought between Hindus and Christians.
False Crusades were fought between Islam and Christians.
IV. Answer
the following questions briefly:
Question 1.
Where was Christ born? Why was he crucified?
Answer:
Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, a small village of Jerusalem. His father
Joseph and his mother Mary were Jews. Jesus was born in about 4 BC. Jesus emphasized
on one God and gave immense importance to love, brotherhood and compassion. He
fearlessly criticised all harmful activities and evils. This made the rich and
powerful among the Romans his enemy. They complained to Pontius Pilate, the
Roman Governor of Palestine, accusing Jesus of calling himself the king of Jews
and thus encouraging people to rebel against Roman rulers. Jesus was arrested
and crucified. The cross became a sacred symbol of the Christians.
Question 2.
Describe the teachings of Christ.
Answer:
Jesus preached his message in simple words, in the form of stories that the
common man could understand.
Some of his main teachings were:
All men are
brothers as we are the children of the same God.
God is one,
so worship of various gods is of no use.
God is so
kind that he forgives even the sinner if he repents.
God will
love us if we are kind to our fellowmen.
Hate the
sin and not the sinner.
Refrain
from worldly evils like greed, avarice and vanity.
Jesus
called himself the ‘Son of God’ who had been sent by God to guide man to attain
salvation.
Kingdom of
God could be built by man, purified by the love of God.
Question 3.
Discuss the contribution of emperor Constantine in spread of Christanity.
Answer:
Constantine the Roman Emperor, defeated all his rivals who came in way of
spreading Christianity and declared himself as the undisputed emperor. He made
Christianity a legal religion and in this way persecution of Christians came to
an end. Later on Christianity become the official religion of the Roman Empire.
Question 4.
Describe the emergence and fall of Constantinople.
Answer:
The Roman emperor Constantine established a new capital at Byzantine in AD 330.
This city became famous as Constantinople, named after Constantine. The
Byzantine empire with Constantinople as its capital prospered for a thousand
years until AD 1453. It had close relations with countries of the east,
including India. The Byzantines built beautiful churches with lavish
decorations. Constantinople became the largest city in Europe, the most splendid
and prosperous.
The Fall of Constantinople
The capital of Constantinople had been under attack many times before, and all
have failed, all but one. The Ottoman Turks, who were Muslims and under the
lead of Sultan Mehmed 11, had an army of 100,000 to 150,000, while the army for
Constantinople had 10,000. The siege lasted for about fifty days. The army of
Constantinople tried to use every tactic that worked before, but they were
greatly outnumbered, which hurt their chances. As well as trying to take over the
city, the Turks were fighting and trying to take over the seas and ports. On
Tuesday, May 29, 1453, the army of Constantinople surrendered and left, letting
the Ottomans take over the city.
Question 5.
Discuss the reasons for the decline of the Roman empire.
Answer:
The barbarian invasions penetrated deep into the Roman territory and plundered
and ravaged it. Even the magnificent city of Rome was not spared. These tribes
gradually settled down and assumed control of the western part of the Roman
empire which lead to its decline.
V. Picture
Study: Study the picture and answer the following questions.
Identify and name the painting.
Ans. The Last Supper.
Name the
Painter.
Ans. Leonardo da Vinci.
Describe
the theme of the painting.
Ans. A painting of Jesus with his disciples.
Additional
Questions
(Rise of Christianity)
A. Fill in
the blanks:
In the
middle of the 1st century bce the Romans conquered Palestine, the
homeland of the Jews.
Jesus was
believed to the son of God. He was born to Mary.
For three years,
Jesus travelled throughout Galilee,
preaching, teaching and healing the sick.
Jesus
taught that there was one God who
was compassionate, loving and forgiving.
Towards the
end of the 4th century ce. Christianity became the official
religion of the Roman Empire.
B. Match
the following:
Answer:
C. Choose the correct answer:
Jesus grew
up in Bethale/iem/Jerusalem/Nazareth, where he studied Jewish scriptures.
Ans. Jesus grew up in Nazareth, where he studied Jewish scriptures.
Jesus
taught that God loved and forgave/hated/ignored
Ans. Jesus taught that God loved and forgave sinners.
Jesus was
sentenced to death by Maxentius/Pontius Pilate/Constantine.
Ans. Jesus was sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate.
The
teachings of Jesus were spread most actively in Palestine by John/Mark/Peter.
Ans. The teachings of Jesus were spread most actively in Palestine by
Peter.
For almost
300 years after the death of Jesus, Christians were treated will/given special
rights/oppressed and persecuted in the Roman empire.
Ans. For almost 300 years after the death of Jesus, Christians were
oppressed and persecuted in the Roman empire.
D. State
whether the following are true or false:
Jesus had
the power to heal the sick.
True.
Jesus
taught that we should harm only those who harm us.
False.
Correct: We should help the needy and do good even to those who harm us.
Jesus’s
interpretation of Jewish law was the same as that of other Jewish religious
leaders.
False.
Correct: Jesus’s interpretation of Jewish law clashed with the ideas of the
Jewish religious leaders.
In the 4th
century CE, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman empire.
False.
Correct: In the 2nd century CE, Christianity became the official religion of
the Roman empire.
The Pope
became the spiritual head of Christians all over the world.
True
E. Answer
the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:
1. Explain
the Latin origin of the term ‘medieval’.
Ans. Medieval comes from a Latin word that means ‘time in the
middle’. The Medieval Period is the period between the Ancient and the Modem
periods.
2. Who
conquered Palestine in the middle of the 1st century BCE?
Ans. In the middle of the 1 st century bce, the Romans conquered
Palestine, the homeland of the Jews.
3. Where
was Jesus born?
Ans. Jesus was born around 6-4 bce, in a small village of Bethlehem in
Judea. He was believed to be the son of God, and was born to Maty.
4. Who was
King David?
Ans. King David was Israel’s most famous king who had liberated Israel
from foreign rule 1,000 years ago.
5. How many
disciples did Jesus have?
Ans. Jesus gathered around him a band of 12 disciples.
6. Mention
two fundamental principles of Christianity.
Ans.
The two fundamental principles of Christianity are:
Unconditional
love for God.
True love
for one’s neighbour.
7. Why were
the Jewish religious leaders angry with Jesus?
Ans. Due to Jesus' intelligence, wisdom, compassion and simplicity, large
crowds were attracted to him. This greatly enraged the Jewish religious
leaders who felt threatened by his growing popularity.
8. Where
are the life and teachings of Jesus Christ recorded?
Ans. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ were recorded in the Gospels
by four of his disciples—John, Mathew, Mark and Luke.
9. Who is
described as the ‘foundation rock’ of Christianity?
Ans. Peter is described as the ‘foundation rock’ of Christianity.
10. Who
prepared the grounds for transforming Christianity into a world religion? –
Ans. Paul, a convert to Christianity became one of the most powerful and
enthusiastic exponents of Christianity. He traveled extensively throughout the
Roman empire, preparing the grounds that would transform Christianity into the
world religion in the future.
11. What is
the importance of St Peter’s Church in Rome?
Ans. St Peter’s Church in Rome is the religious headquarters of the
Christian world.
12. Who
became the spiritual head of the Christians?
Ans. The Bishop of St Peter’s Church, the Pope, became the spiritual head
of Christians all over the world, and was acknowledged as the representative of
Christ on earth.
F. Answer
the following questions briefly:
Question 1.
Give an account of the early life on Jesus in Nazareth. What happened after his
baptism?
Answer:
Jesus grew up in Nazareth, in northern Palestine, where he studied the Jewish
scriptures. He realized that traditions and practices which violated the Law of
Moses were being followed by certain Jewish religious groups, such as the
Pharisees.
After baptism a divine revelation convinced Jesus that the time had come for
him to fulfil his mission of freemen from the bondage of evil and guiding them
on the path that would lead to the victory of good over evil.
Question 2.
The teachings of Jesus were simple, yet revolutionary. Explain.
Answer:
The teachings of Jesus were simple, yet revolutionary.
He established a code of conduct for men and women based on:
Unconditional
love for God
True love
for one’s neighbor
Jesus
taught that there was one God who was compassionate, loving, and forgiving. As
children of God, we should mold ourselves in the image of God. We should love
our neighbors, including the poor, the sinners, and even our enemies; we should
help the needy and do good even to those who harm us; we should forgive our
enemies and win them over with our love. Since God loved sinners and forgave them,
we should do the same. Jesus completely rejected the ‘eye for an eye and a
tooth for a tooth’ principle.
Question 3.
Discuss the reasons and events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus.
Answer:
Jesus attracted large crowds wherever, he went through his intelligence,
wisdom, compassion and simplicity. This greatly enraged the Jewish religions
leaders who felt threatened by his growing popularity. They convinced the Roman
Governor, Pontius Pilate, that Jesus was also a threat to the political
authority of the Romans. Due to this Jesus was put on trial and was later on
crucified.
Question 4.
The enemies of Jesus had crucified him but Jesus would live on. Explain.
Answer:
This statement is hue that enemies of Jesus had crucified him but Jesus would
live in the hearts and minds of his followers throughout the world. His
teachings will be followed by the people they will walk on the path shown by
him.After baptism a divine revelation convinced Jesus that the time had come
for him to fulfil his mission of freemen from the bondage of evil and guiding
them on the path that would lead to the victory of good over evil.
Question 5.
Give a brief account of the spread of Christianity by its followers.
Answer:
The spread of Christianity in Palestine was actively done by Peter the follower
of Jesus. Another follower Paul travelled extensively throughout the Roman
Empire and spread Christianity which later on in future turned into a world
religion ‘
Question 6.
What role did Emperor Constantine play in the establishment of Christianity in
Europe?
Answer:
Constantine the Roman Emperor, defeated all his rivals who came in way of
spreading Christianity and declared himself as the undisputed emperor. He made
Christianity a legal religion and in this way persecution of Christians came to
an end. Later on Christianity become the official religion of the Roman Empire.
Question 7.
Write in brief about the birth and life of the founder of Christianity?
Ans: -
Jesus
Christ, the founder of Christianity, was born around 4 BCE in Bethlehem to
Mary, who conceived him through the Holy Spirit, marking his birth as
miraculous. Raised in Nazareth, Galilee, Jesus lived a humble life as a
carpenter's son. At around 30, he began his ministry, preaching about love,
forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God.
Jesus
performed miracles such as healing the sick and feeding multitudes, attracting
many followers. His teachings challenged religious authorities, leading to
opposition. During Passover in Jerusalem, Jesus was arrested, tried, and
crucified under Roman governor Pontius Pilate around 30-33 CE.
Christians
believe that Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, an
event known as the Resurrection. This event is central to the Christian faith and
led to the spread of his teachings by his disciples, establishing Christianity.
Question 8.
What are
the reasons that led to the spread of Christinity to many parts of the world?
Ans:-
The spread
of Christianity to many parts of the world can be attributed to several key
factors:
·
Roman Empire's Infrastructure: The extensive road
networks and relative safety within the Roman Empire facilitated travel and
communication.
·
Apostolic Missions: Early missionaries, including
apostles like Paul, actively spread Christian teachings across different regions.
·
Conversion of Constantine: Emperor Constantine's
conversion to Christianity and the subsequent Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which
legalized the religion, greatly enhanced its acceptance.
·
Cultural Adaptation: Christianity's ability to adapt
to and incorporate aspects of local cultures made it more accessible and
appealing.
·
Monastic Movements: Monastic communities preserved and
promoted Christian teachings through their missionary activities.
·
Colonial Expansion: European colonization in the
Americas, Africa, and Asia included missionary efforts to convert indigenous
populations.
·
Translation of Scriptures: Translating the Bible into
various languages helped spread Christianity by making its teachings more
accessible.
·
Social Services: The Church's involvement in providing
education, healthcare, and charity work drew people to the faith.
·
Martyrdom: The steadfastness and sacrifice of
Christian martyrs inspired others to join the faith.
·
State Endorsements: Various rulers and states
throughout history adopted Christianity and promoted it within their realms,
contributing to its spread.
Question 9.
Explain the
contribution of the Roman Emperor in spreading Christianity.
Ans:-
Roman
Emperors played a crucial role in spreading Christianity. Constantine the
Great's Edict of Milan in 313 AD legalized Christianity, ending persecutions
and allowing Christians to worship freely. He also convened the Council of
Nicaea in 325 AD, which helped unify Christian doctrine. Later, Emperor
Theodosius I declared Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire in
380 AD, further embedding it in Roman culture and law. These actions provided a
stable and supportive environment for Christianity to grow, leading to its
widespread acceptance and establishment across the empire. The emperors’ patronage,
coupled with their political influence, significantly facilitated the spread of
Christianity throughout Europe and beyond.
Question 10.
Explain the
role of monasteries in Medieval Europe.
Ans:-
Monasteries
played a vital role in Medieval Europe, serving as centers of religious life,
education, and cultural preservation. Monks and nuns devoted themselves to
prayer, study, and manual labor, living according to strict communal rules.
Monasteries preserved classical texts and produced illuminated manuscripts,
becoming hubs of learning and literacy. They provided social services,
including caring for the sick, poor, and travelers. Monastic communities
engaged in agricultural production, innovating farming techniques. They also
acted as local economic centers, stimulating regional economies. Monasteries
fostered spiritual development and were instrumental in spreading Christianity
and its values throughout Europe.
Question 11.
Write a short note on the impact of Barbarian invasions on the Eastern Roman Empire.
Ans:-
The
Barbarian invasions had significant impacts on the Eastern Roman Empire, also
known as the Byzantine Empire. While the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD,
the Eastern Empire managed to survive these invasions through a combination of
military strategy, fortified cities, and diplomatic alliances. The invasions
led to frequent conflicts and a need for constant military vigilance, straining
the empire’s resources. Despite these challenges, the Eastern Empire maintained
its economic and cultural centers, such as Constantinople, which remained a
beacon of trade and learning. The invasions also prompted military and
administrative reforms to better defend against future threats. The influx of
different peoples and cultures influenced Byzantine society, contributing to
its diverse and resilient nature. Overall, while the invasions posed
significant challenges, the Eastern Roman Empire adapted and persisted,
maintaining its dominance in the region for centuries.
Question 12.
What were
the reasons for the decline of the ancient Roman empire?
Ans:-
The decline
of the ancient Roman Empire was caused by a combination of internal and
external factors. Internally, political corruption and instability weakened the
government, while economic troubles, including heavy taxation and reliance on
slave labor, hampered growth and innovation. Social decay, marked by a decline
in civic virtue and public service, eroded societal cohesion. Externally, the
Empire faced relentless pressure from barbarian invasions and military defeats.
Additionally, overexpansion stretched resources thin, making it difficult to
manage distant territories. The division of the Empire into Eastern and Western
regions further diluted its power. Lastly, the rise of Christianity shifted
focus away from traditional Roman values and institutions, contributing to the
Empire's fragmentation and eventual collapse.
Question 13.
Give an
account of the early life on Jesus in Nazareth. What happened after his
baptism?
Answer:
Jesus grew up in Nazareth, in northern Palestine, where he studied the Jewish
scriptures. He realized that traditions and practices which violated the Law of
Moses were being followed by certain Jewish religious groups, such as the
Pharisees.
After baptism, a divine revelation convinced Jesus that the time had come for
him to fulfill his mission of freemen from the bondage of evil and guide them
on the path that would lead to the victory of good over evil.
Question 14.
The teachings of Jesus were simple, yet revolutionary. Explain.
Answer:
The teachings of Jesus were simple, yet revolutionary.
He established a code of conduct for men and women based on:
Unconditional
love for God
True love
for one’s neighbor
Jesus
taught that there was one God who was compassionate, loving and forgiving. As
children of God, we should mould ourselves in the image of God. We should love
our neighbours, including the poor, the sinners and even our enemies; we should
help the needy and do good even to those who harm us; we should forgive our
enemies and win them over with our love. Since God loved sinners and forgave
them, we should do the same. Jesus completely rejected the ‘eye for an eye and
a tooth for a tooth’ principle.
Question 15.
Discuss the reasons and events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus.
Answer:
Jesus attracted large crowds wherever, he went through his intelligence,
wisdom, compassion and simplicity. This greatly enraged the Jewish religions
leaders who felt threatened by his growing popularity. They convinced the Roman
Governor, Pontius Pilate, that Jesus was also a threat to the political
authority of the Romans. Due to this Jesus was put on trial and was later on
crucified.
Question 16.
The enemies of Jesus had crucified him but Jesus would live on. Explain.
Answer:
This statement is true that enemies of Jesus had crucified him but Jesus would
live in the hearts and minds of his followers throughout the world. His
teachings will be followed by the people who will walk on the path shown by
him. After baptism, a divine revelation convinced Jesus that the time had come
for him to fulfill his mission of freemen from the bondage of evil and guide
them on the path that would lead to the victory of good over evil.
Question 17.
Give a brief account of the spread of Christianity by its followers.
Answer:
The spread of Christianity in Palestine was actively done by Peter the follower
of Jesus. Another follower Paul travelled extensively throughout the Roman
Empire and spread Christianity which later on in future turned into a world
religion ‘
Question 18.
What role did Emperor Constantine play in the establishment of Christianity in
Europe?
Answer:
Constantine the Roman Emperor, defeated all his rivals who came in way of spreading
Christianity and declared himself as the undisputed emperor. He made
Christianity a legal religion and in this way persecution of Christians came to
an end. Later on, Christianity becomes the official religion of the Roman Empire.
G Picture
study:
The picture depicts the crucifixion of the founder of a religion.
Question 1.
Name (a) the founder and (b) the religion.
Answer:
(a) the founder — Jesus Christ
(b) the religion — Christianity
Question 2.
Mention the circumstances and the reasons that led to the crucifixion.
Answer:
Jesus attracted large crowds wherever, he went through his intelligence,
wisdom, compassion and simplicity. This greatly enraged the Jewish religions
leaders who felt threatened by his growing popularity. They convinced the Roman
Governor, Pontius Pilate, that Jesus was also a threat to the political
authority of the Romans. Due to which Jesus was put on trial and was later on
crucified. –
Question 3.
Mention four important principles of the religion.
Answer:
Four important principles of the religion are:
We should
love our neighbour, the poor, the sinners and even our enemies.
We should
forgive our enemies and win them over with our love.
Unconditional
love for God.
Not to
follow the principle of ‘eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’.
Question 4.
Name the two best-known followers of the founder. What part did they play in
spreading his teachings.
Answer:
Peter and Paul are two best known disciples of Jesus. They; did a great work in
spreading the teachings of Jesus in Palastine and throughout the Roman Empire.
Due to them Christianity is accepted as a world religion.
Additional
Questions
(Spread of Christianity)
A. Fill in
the blanks:
The great
Roman Empire began to disintegrate in the 5th century ce.
One
important reason for the fall of the Roman empire was the repeated attacks by
the Germanic tribes.
In 395 ce,
the Roman empire was divided into two parts- eastern and western.
By 900 ce,
Christianity had become the state religion in every European state.
The
Crusades or holy wars were fought between the Christians and
the Turkish Muslims, between
the 11th and 13th centuries ce.
B. Match
the following:
Answer:
C. Choose the correct answer
The mighty
Turkish/Roman/Greek empire began to disintegrate in the 5th century
Ans. The mighty Roman empire began to disintegrate in the 5th century ce.
The capital
of the Byzantine empire was Rome/ Jerusalem/Constantinople.
Ans. The capital of the Byzantine empire was Constantinople.
The orders
built great monasteries, where monks/kings/ soldiers stayed and pursued their
missions.
Ans. The orders built great monasteries, where monks stayed and pursued
their missions.
In the 11th
century ce, the Goths/Turks/Vandals invaded the lands of the Christian emperor
of Constantinople.
Ans. In the 11th century ce, the Turks invaded the lands of the Christian
emperor of Constantinople.
The
Crusaders learned the use of gunpowder and guns from the Greeks/Franks/Turks.
Ans. The Crusaders learned the use of gunpowder and guns from the Turks.
D. State
whether the following are true or false:
The
invaders who attacked the Roman Empire were semi-civilized tribes.
True.
In the
confusion and disorder that followed the disintegration of the Roman Empire,
the only unifying factor was Christianity and the Roman Church.
True.
The spread
of Christianity was one of the most important developments in the Early
Medieval Period.
True.
By the end
of the 5th century ce, Christian churches had been established in almost every
town and city.
True.
The
greatest contribution of the monasteries was in the field of education.
True.
E. Answer
the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:
Question 1.
What were the ‘barbarian invasions’?
Answer:
The repeated attacks and raids by various Germanic tribes such as the Goths,
the Vandals and the Franks are referred to as the ‘barbarian invasions’.
Question 2.
Name the capital of the eastern Roman empire.
Answer:
Capital of eastern Roman empire was Constantinople (modem Istanbul).
Question 3.
What effect did the barbarian invasions have on the Byzantine (eastern Roman)
empire ?
Answer:
The Byzantine empire was attacked by the barbarian tribes but it proved to be
more resilient than its western counterpart. It successfully withstood the
onslaughts and preserved some of the great legacies of the glorious Roman
empire.
Question 4.
What were the Crusades?
Answer:
Crusades were the holy wars waged by the Christians against the Turks, who had
captured the lands of the Christian emperor of Constantinople and Jerusalem
(the holy land of the Christians).
Question 5.
How did the Crusades pave the way for the Renaissance?
Answer:
In the course of their travels to the holy land, the crusaders came in contact
with the superior civilizations and cultures of the Greeks and Muslims. They
assimilated the best elements of these cultures and started the process of
revival of western education and learning and paved the way for the Renaissance.
Question 6.
How did the Crusades lead to the decline of feudalism?
Answer:
The Crusaders learnt the use of gunpowder and guns from the Muslims. These two
discoveries contributed to the decline of feudalism. The armoured knights had
outlived their usefulness and their services were no longer required.
Question 7.
Where did the Christian monks live?
Answer:
They lived in monasteries and did not marry.
Question 8.
Name two arts that flourished in monasteries.
Answer:
Architecture, mural painting, wood carving and stained glass painting developed
and flourished in the monasteries.
Question 9.
Name one internationally renowned university that evolved from a Christian
monastery.
Answer:
The University that evolved from a Christian monastery of Oxford in England is
know as Oxford University in the Englishspeaking world.
F. Answer
the following questions briefly:
Question 1.
Briefly discuss the causes of the decline of the mighty Roman empire?
Answer:
The barbarian invasions penetrated deep into the Roman territory and plundered
and ravaged it. Even the magnificent city of Rome was not spared. These tribes
gradually settled down and assumed control of the western part of the Roman
empire which lead to its decline.
Question 2.
The Crusades brought about significant changes in medieval Europe. In this
context, discuss the following:
(a) Advent of the Renaissance
(b) Economic prosperity.
Answer:
(a) Advent of the Renaissance: In the course of their travels to the holy
land, the Crusaders came in contact with the superior civilizations and
cultures of the Greeks and the Turks. They assimilated the best elements of
these cultures and started the process of the revival of Western education and
learning, paving the way for the Renaissance.
(b) Economic prosperity: The Crusaders got a taste of the luxurious
lifestyle of the East. To meet the demand for luxury items, European traders
began to establish trade links with the East. As trade increased, the economy
of Europe flourished.
Question 3.
Write short notes on the following:
(a) Monks and nuns
(b) Life in a monasteries
Answer:
(a) Monks: They were priests who devoted their lives to the services of
God and humanity. They lived in monasteries and did not marry.
Nuns: They were the women who devoted their lives to the service of God
and humanity. They lived in nunneries and did not marry.
(b)
Monasteries: These were the places where the monks lived. They were
located iru isolated places, far away from human habitation. Life in these
monasteries was simple and orderly.
Question 4.
Describe a monastery. What did the monks and nuns do for the welfare of
the people?
Answer:
A monastery was usually a large, strong and simple building, surrounded by
gardens, fruit orchards, fields and ponds. Insidethe abbey was a small church,
living quarters for the monks and nuns, a kitchen and storerooms. Attached to
most monsteries were hospitals, schools and libraries. Monasteries played a
very important role in medieval Europe. The nuns educated children and treated
the sick and wounded. The greatest contribution of the monasteries was in the
field of education. Some of these monasteries later developed into famous
secular universities, such as the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Besides
the religious texts, secular subjects such as history, philosophy, medicine,
law and astrology were also taught in these universities. The printing press
and paper had not yet been invented, so the monks wrote books by hand on
parchment. Most of the books were copies of the Bible and prayer books, and
copies of Latin and Greek books on secular subjects. These books were a very
useful source of knowledge of the ancient and medieval civilization in Europe.
Question 5.
What was the contribution of the monasteries in the field of education?
Answer:
The greatest contribution of the monasteries was in the field of education.
Some of these monasteries later developed into famous secular universities,
such as the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Beside the religious texts,
secular subjects such as history, philosophy, medicine, law and astrology were
also taught in these universities.
G.Picture
study:
This is a
picture of a renowned English university built by the Christian Church.
Question 1.
Identify the university.
Answer:
Oxford University.
Question 2.
What part did the Church play in the field of education?
Answer:
The Christian Church played an important role in the field of education. These
Churches become great centres of scholarship, art, literature and
religious studies. Educational institutions like the internationally renowned
Cambridge and Oxford Universities were built by the Church.
Question 3.
Mention any two reasons for the rapid spread of Christianity in Europe between
400 ce and 900
Answer:
The conversion of a king or feudal lord was usually followed by mass conversion
of his subjects. As Christianity spread, the power and wealth of the Church
multiplied.Christian monks, fired by religious fervour, organized themselves
into religious orders
Question 4.
In what way did the increase in wealth and power influence the policies of the
Church?
Answer:
As the wealth and power of the Church increased, it became increasingly
conservative and authoritarian, demanding from every Christian unqualified
obedience, loyalty and total submission to its dictates.
Question 5.
What does the term ‘Crusades’ mean? How did the Crusades contribute to the
revival of learning and pave the way for the Renaissance in Europe?
Answer:
Crusades were the holy wars of the Christians against the Turkish Muslims. In
the course of their travels to the holy land, the Crusaders came in contact
with the superior civilizations and cultures of the Greeks (Byzantium) and
Muslims. They assimilated the best elements of these cultures and started the
process of the revival of Western education and learning and paved the way for
the
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