Early Middle Ages Document Investigation

A Byzantine Cross

A glittering cross from the 11th century shows the importance of religion to the people of the Byzantine empire.

How do you think this cross shows the importance of religion to the people of the Byzantine empire?

The Primary Chronicle

The Primary Chronicle is a compilation of ancient literary material, early laws, and legends. It was first passed on orally. The report was the result of the team Vladimir sent to study Byzantine Christianity.

“The Greeks led us to the [buildings] where they worship their God, and we knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth. For on earth there is no such splendor or such beauty, and we are at a loss how to describe it. We only know that God dwells there among men, and . . . we cannot forget that beauty.”

—quoted in the Primary Chronicle

What was it about Byzantine Christianity that so impressed the observers from Kiev?

Illuminated manuscript

Illuminated manuscripts were usually the work of monks.

Why do you think monks put such care into creating illuminated manuscripts?

Piers Plowman

Piers Plowman, written by William Langland in 1362, reveals the hard life of English peasants.

“What they can put aside from what they make spinning they spend on housing, Also on milk and meal to make porridge with To sate their children who cry out for food. And they themselves also suffer much hunger, And woe in wintertime, and waking up nights To rise on the bedside to rock the cradle, . . .”

—William Langland

from Piers Plowman

What image of peasant life is Langland trying to present?

The Song of Roland

The Song of Roland is one of the earliest and most famous medieval epic poems. It praises a band of French soldiers who perished in battle during Charlemagne’s reign. The poem transforms the event into a struggle. A few brave French knights led by Roland battle an overwhelming army of Muslims from Spain. Roland’s friend, Turpin the Archbishop, stands as a shining example of medieval ideals. Turpin represents courage, faith, and chivalry.

“And now there comes the Archbishop. He spurs his horse, goes up into a mountain, summons the French; and he preached them a sermon: ‘Barons, my lords, [Charlemagne] left us in this place. We know our duty: to die like good men for our King. Fight to defend the holy Christian faith.’ ”

—from The Song of Roland

How can you tell faith is important to Turpin?