Julius Caesar 2.2 Historical Reference: Medieval Religious Practices

The video explores the concept of relics in early Christian times, where parts of martyrs' bodies and items like crucifixion crosses were preserved for worship. It contrasts this with Shakespeare's Protestant England, where Catholicism was banned, and Catholics collected martyrs' blood as relics. Desius Brutus imagines Romans collecting Caesar's blood as relics in Calpernias Dream. The term 'cognizance' is explained, showing its evolution from an emblem of servitude to its modern meaning. The video concludes by comparing relics as symbols of loyalty in Roman and English contexts.

What were relics in early Christian times?

• Items used in daily life

• Parts of martyrs' bodies and sacred items

• Tools and weapons

• Books and manuscripts

Why did Catholics in Shakespeare's England collect martyrs' blood?

• To use in rituals

• To sell for profit

• To keep as relics

• To paint with

In Calpernia's Dream, what did Desius Brutus imagine noble Romans doing?

• Building statues of Caesar

• Pressing forward to collect Caesar's blood as relics

• Writing poems about Caesar

• Fighting in Caesar's honor

What does the word 'cognizance' mean today?

• To create something

• To ignore something

• To know about something

• To forget something

In Shakespeare's time, what was a 'cognizance'?

• A musical instrument

• An emblem worn by a servant

• A piece of jewelry

• A type of food