THE ARTHURIAN LEGENDS BY XXXXXXX (WORKS CITED INCLUDED) (PICTURES NEED CITATIONS, ARTICLE HAS GRAMMAR ERRORS) The question of the century: was King Arthur real? His tale has been told since the 12th century with its source of origin unknown. He was a celebrated war hero who supposedly “Killed 960 men single-handedly,” but that is impossible (“Once”). Even if he was proven real, no man could ever do such a deed. This is what makes his existence questionable; he sounds like an old tale. He sounds like Beowulf, brave and the embodiment of a perfect Christian knight.
In actuality Arthur never would have been an actual king of all of Britain, he might have ruled over parts of Wales and Scotland instead of the fictional Camelot. In the legends, Camelot was the ultimate symbol of chivalry. Consisting of knights, round table, and Arthur who was and still is a symbol for all that is just and brave. In the legends that date back to the 12th century around the time of the Celts, Arthur was said to have “pulled the sword from the stone,” then “he hurried to Bedegraine and defeats a rogue band of 11 powerful men who had rebelled against his leadership” (“King”). Merlin, the wizard who had taken care of Arthur since birth, arranged the entire sword in the stone contest. Merlin could have fixed the contest so that Arthur could rule. The only reason Merlin was caretaker of Arthur was because Arthur’s father, King Uther Pendragon, wanted to marry Igraine who at the time was married to the Duke of Tintagel. The only way Merlin agreed to this was if there was a child born to them, then the child must live with him (“Alfred”).
Many stories came out of the legend of King Arthur, for example the story of Sir Gawain & the Green Knight. In another tale Sir Galahad, son of Sir Lancelot who falls in love with Arthur’s wife Guinevere, is sent off on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Once Galahad finds the Holy Grail he kills himself thinking of himself as “too pure” to continue in life, giving him the nickname “perfect knight”. “With the Holy Grail the symbol of true knightly goodness, the picture of Arthur as all that is good and right was weakened,” and the downfall of the beautiful tale of Camelot tragically ends (“King”).
THE HUNDRED YEARS' WAR BY XXXXXXX (PICTURES NEED CITATIONS - Works Cited Pics info incorrect format)
The 100 Years War, which actually lasted 116 years (Wheeler), happened during the Medieval Ages. This was the time when England was a “vassal” of France, and the King of England wanted to be free of the French rule. To complicate matters, the King of France, Charles IV, died without a male heir. The English King, because his mother was the sister of Charles, had a right to the French throne (Meissner). Philip IV, who was the grandson of Philip III, also had claim to the throne (EHistory). Through this, the war started over the rule of France, and during the course of this war, the people who waged the war had either died or gone insane. Despite this, they still fought each other. [THIS SENTENCE IS INACCURATE AND NEEDS CLARIFICATION].
The war began in 1337, in France. From the beginning of the war to 1394, the battles going back and forth, [GRAMMAR ISSUES] with France winning. In 1394, the two countries had a treaty, with it, the (during that time) Princess of France, would marry into the house of the King of England. From 1415 through the Battle of New Orleans(1428), the English were winning the war, and pushing France further and further back into their own territory. From the battle of New Orleans, the tide changes with the arrival of a young girl. Joan of Arc, who was a peasant girl, led many victories for the French crown struck back. She led the French army to attack the English army several times, emerging victorious over the English army in major battles. Later, she was captured and killed, dubbed as a witch, later found innocent and a martyr. From then to the end of the war, the French were pushing the English from France. With the withdrawal of England from the war, Philip VII was crowned king of France.
For more information, watch
Joan of Arc
Map of France
King Philip VI
MEDIEVAL ARMOR BY XXXXXXXX (PICTURES NEED CITATIONS and Works Cited) Introduction An iron clad Knight charges ahead on the Medieval battlefield, leaving a trail of blood behind him as he trudges along on his war horse. Sneaking behind him, an enemy has unsheathed his sword, and drawn it high above his head. Swinging down to fatally wound the mounted soldier, the sword lands a direct blow to the head of the knight. Unexpectedly, the sword bounces off harmlessly and the Plated battler continues his onslaught of the opposition. Medieval armor, a symbol of the dark ages, provided the blueprints for all body protection that would follow. This “living fortress” (“Knight's Armor” 1) made its wearer almost invulnerable to virtually every type of weapon used on the battlefield. Representing wealth and status, this elaborate suit was worn solely by illustrious knights. These knights, fully equipped, became unstoppable killing machines.
Components The plated Armor a Medieval warrior would wear onto the battlefield would consist of many intricate pieces of metal that when assembled together, put up an effective barrier against the opponents’ sharp steel weapons. These different sections are stated below (“Knight's Armor” 2) . sabatons-iron plates placed on top of boots greaves- plates protecting ankle and calves of knight Poleyn- round piece of metal covering the knee cap cuisses-wrapped around the upper legs; protected the thighs spurs-whiplike cords worn on the bottom of the boots to direct the warhorse in times of battle besauges- circular shield like plates attached to the shoulder so as to protect the armpit rerebrace-protected the upper arm muscles such as the bicep and tricep vambrace-long tubular plate that protected from the elbow to the wrist Gauntlet-Composed of a metal ring and a hand plate, they usually had metal spikes protruding from them as to wound those foolish enough to come close enough to the knight in close quarter combat Back/breast plate- covered the mid torso of the knight Faulds- links of chainmail covering the knights most exposed body parts (aka the chink in their armor) Visor- used for protection of the eyes and there was a small slit through the middle of it in which the knight could look through during battle. In times when the knight was not in battle, this visor could be lifted so that the knight could more easily communicate and breathe Shield- worn usually on the left side of a knight, it served its function as a carrier of the knight’s crest for it was a symbol of status and was rarely actually needed in battle for the armor itself protected well enough to stop any weapon
Armor creation process Because a suit of armor, depending on its complexity, could weigh anywhere from 25 to 100 pounds, An armorsmith on average required 40 pounds of raw iron to be extracted from the ground and brought to his facility. Next a hammer man would heat and through blows with his hammer would mold the raw iron into a rough shape of what each plate was supposed to look like and smooth out imperfections to prevent scratches. A millman would polish and shine the armor, refining the armor into the shape it will finally take. A finisher would then assemble the plates into sections that would be strong enough to defend a knight against any lethal weapon that came the knight’s way, but also to be light enough that the knight could embark the horse on his own.The knights of especially high status and wealth would have their armor painted with flecks of gold stating their unique trademark crest. Only extremely skilled armor guilds were allowed to create this protection for the kings’ warriors. These steps, as described by MIT professor Anne McCants, were crucial to the strength and longevity of the armor (McCants 3).
Development of armor The simple form of protection commonly known as chain mail, is stated by Dr. Breiding to have been around for 3000 years ( Breiding 1) . Therefore, it seemed almost primitive on the medieval battlefield. It protected well against the slashing motions of a sword but provided little defense against projectiles such as arrows. Anne McCants states that plated armor was introduced in the 10th century and was refined until it reached its optimum shape in the 14th century (McCants 3). It evolved to protect against the rapidly changing weapons on the battlefield. In the beginning of the middle ages, a suit of armor consisted of thousands of rings of metal intricately woven together. By the end of this era, this was replaced by thick steel plates of armor covering the night against a variety of weapons such as the “two-handed sword, bow and arrows, crossbow, battle axe, mace, dagger and lance”(“Knights Armor” 3). No suit of armor could be guaranteed to stop all forms of weaponry from wounding the knight, but as time progressed, the techniques used in the construction of the armor lead to a more resistant form of defense. over time, refined their techniques as to be able to create thicker, more durable armor that kept up with the rapidly evolving weapons on the battlefield. At it’s most refined form, a suit was almost impossible to penetrate for the thick metal plating would deflect a weapons “Glancing blow on impact it would also absorb some of the blow’s energy”(Breiding 3).It is important to note that no piece of armor made a knight invulnerable and that every piece of armor had a weakness.
MEDIEVAL ART BY XXXXXX (PICTURES NEED CITATIONS; Works cited included)
The study of medieval art started after the French revolution during the 11th and 12th century when a new type of style emerged, known as Romanesque art. Romanesque art was heavily influenced by the declining influence of France and Spain resulting in the upbringing of English artisans, and architects (Chapuis 3). The medieval clergy were the biggest patrons of art during this time period. They dominated the culture of England during the 11th and 12th century. Some English artisans had still prevailed throughout English culture, despite the influence of the clergy.
Winchester Psalter is the perfect example of an English artisan who created images that bonded his imagination to biblical references and ideas. Above is a picture of his expressive version of the souls that are doomed to the depths of gapped toothed hell (“Beginnings of Medieval English Art” 1). At the end of the twelfth century a new style emerged described as Gothic art. Gothic art originated in France by the painter Abbot Suger, who built the first gothic architecture named Abbey church of St. Denis. The ornate secular style rapidly spread throughout Europe, and commonly would replace romanesque architecture. Frescos, stained glass windows, and panel painting took over started to emerge defining gothic art. Above is a famous fresco from the gothic painter Peintres Primitifs Nicois. Most art was revolved around religious subjects. When the black death struck in the fourteenth century, art started to offer “a broad picture of various ways in which people coped with death” (Sigurd, “Art and Death” 2). Now scholars recognize that middle ages gothic art represented disparity and religious solace after the plague hit.
The Plague: Disease and Disaster by XXXXXXXX (Pictures need citation) The year is 1347. The English nation has fallen to a great sickness. Neighbors, friends, and relatives all spread the disease among each other. People die in a matter of hours, and then transmit the sickness to anyone near them. Everybody is sick, and nobody is safe. As the disease spreads, over one-third of England succumbs to the epidemic. What caused this much chaos? It is surprisingly simple. The conditions in England, as well as the virus’ strength and adaptability, all contributed to the damage caused by The Black Death.
Conditions in all of Europe were incredibly poor during the Middle Ages. Filth coated the streets. Sewage flowed like water. The true problem, however, was not the dirt, but the rats. The black rat, not a native species to England, carried plague-infected fleas into the country from Eastern lands. The Center For Disease Control notes that “In urban areas or places with dense rat infestations, the plague bacteria can cycle between rats and their fleas,” meaning that the plague virus is transferred from the rats to the fleas and back (“Plague” 1). Typically, this virus never reaches humans. However, a unique phenomenon often occurs when “a desperate flea would mistakenly bite a human host, and then the human contracts the disease. Once a human is infected, the plague bacterium can spread for a few weeks by human fleas hopping from person to person and biting them...” (Wheeler 1). This means that it only takes one hungry flea for the virus to spread. As is shown in this graphic, the plague’s spread begins once a flea leaves its normal cycle to bite a human host (Chamberlain).
[THIS IMAGE IS COPYRIGHTED, SO WE EITHER NEED TO LINK TO THE PICTURE OR WE NEED TO GET REPRINT PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR]
The speed and infectious nature of the Plague becomes exceedingly dangerous when England’s conditions are taken into account. With all the waste in public areas, humans would often have come in contact with the rat population. Once they did, the Plague would take root in their system, and begin to quickly kill them. It’s easy to see how a human could receive the plague virus. However, it is the strength and lethality of the virus that truly contributed to its epidemic disaster.
The Black Plague’s virus, Yersinia Pestis, was one of the most virulent epidemics to strike the Western world. This is mainly due to the plague’s quickness, strength, and adaptability. The plague virus could kill in a matter of days. Dr. L. Kip Wheeler says that “About two-thirds of the victims died within three or four days of developing symptoms. Most of the rest lingered about two weeks and then died” (Wheeler 1). The plague struck with quickness and lethality, as is shown in the quote. Furthermore, those who survived for weeks continued to spread the virus among many other people. The victims of the disease began to see “the agonizing rise of dark ‘buboes’: spots where dead blood and pus builds up in the lymph nodes” (Wheeler 1). The symptoms were incredibly lethal; most victims died from septicemia, an infection in the bloodstream (Damen 1). Occasionally, however, the buboes would burst, and the victim would enter toxic shock, and die soon after (Damen 1). This often spread the plague further when people nearby were coated with pus and infected blood. There was, however, one more way the virus spread so efficiently: its adaptability. Dr. Wheeler says that there was “a small but documented chance of it evolving into an airborne version (the "pneumatic strain") that infiltrates the blood vessels in the lungs” (1). This meant that, in urban high-density areas, the virus could spread to hundreds of people simply through the air. So, with these two strains of the virus combined, thousands could be infected in a matter of weeks. It is clear that the strength of the virus, when combined with the English living conditions, contributed to the plague’s disastrous spread.
Destruction and death followed the plague due to the people of England’s poor living conditions and the virus’ strength. However, these outbreaks of the 14th century were not the plague’s only attack on the human population. Plague outbreaks still continue today, and the most recent outbreak in America was in 1924 Los Angeles (“Plague” 2). This means the disease was so strong that it has adapted and survived over 600 years or more. This strength is what truly made the plague the worst disaster to strike England.
Women's Lives by XXXXXX (need citations for pictures) Women during the Middle Ages are best symbolized as the Technical Crew in a play or movie. They served as the foundation in society and at home, but received little credit where due. Although, there is conflict among historians as to the role of women in Medieval Society. While a few have suggested there was a period labeled the “Golden Age” (Benenett 1), most have noted that life was a struggle for women during this timeframe. Women were viewed upon as less than men and were forced into a life of subservience to all men (Trueman 1). Starting with the sinister beginning of Adam and Eve that haunted the woman. As the story goes, Eve presented Adam with the forbidden fruit, consequently leading to the Original Sin leaving the generations to come in damnation. Unfortunately, this event “underlined the belief that women were inferior to men, and that they were morally weaker and likely to tempt men into sin” (Fischer 1). With that being said, women were oddly enough able to break the chains and accumulate power through the same doctrine that oppressed them from the start.
Christianity was very popular during the Middle Ages, as it offered a chance of advanced education, expression of creativity and leadership among the converts (Fisher 2).
An abbess is crafted in a stained glass window in the Medieval St. Cyriakus Church in Gernrode, Germany. (Newscom/Image Broker/Karl F. Schofmann
One of the highest positions in the church was that of the Abbes (Bryan 1). An Abbess was the leader of the nunnery and at times the monastery as well (Bryan 1). While the abbess had significant power and authority, they were still dragged down by restriction. For example, an Abbess could not give communion because of her womanhood (Bryan 1)
Medieval Painting, 1485 ("Center Historique de Archives Nationales, Paris")
Woman also played an important role during The Crusades. Many women fought alongside their men (Fisher 2). One of the most famous women Crusader was Joan of Arc. She was known to be a “mystic” since she had religious visions (Fisher 3).
The Medieval Period was an interesting time for women. Religion was a big part of everyday life and offered a rather paradoxical approach, empowering women and restraining them.
Works Cited [FORMATTING NOT YET CORRECT]
"Alfred The Great." Alfred The Great. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2013.
"Beginnings of Medieval English Art." Beginnings of Medieval English Art. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Nov.
2013.
Bennett, Judith M. "Summary: Medieval Lives: Teaching About Women in the Middle Ages."
Summary: Medieval Lives: Teaching About Women in the Middle Ages. University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill, Nov. 1998. Web. 05 Nov. 2013.
Bryan, Francine A. "Medieval Christianity – Women’s Religious Order." Medieval Christianity.
(originally published October 2001, last revised February 2010)
"King Arthur: A Man for the Ages--Arthur, King or Battle Commander?" King Arthur: A Man for the Ages--Arthur, King or Battle Commander? N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2013.
Meissner, Daniel J. "The Hundred Year War." Four Horsemen of the 14th Century. Marquette University History Department, n.d. Web. 4 Nov. 2013.
"The Once And Future King." The Once And Future King. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2013.
"Plague." CDC- Plague. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 Nov. 2012. Web. 29
THE ARTHURIAN LEGENDS BY XXXXXXX (WORKS CITED INCLUDED) (PICTURES NEED CITATIONS, ARTICLE HAS GRAMMAR ERRORS)
The question of the century: was King Arthur real? His tale has been told since the 12th century with its source of origin unknown. He was a celebrated war hero who supposedly “Killed 960 men single-handedly,” but that is impossible (“Once”). Even if he was proven real, no man could ever do such a deed. This is what makes his existence questionable; he sounds like an old tale. He sounds like Beowulf, brave and the embodiment of a perfect Christian knight.
In actuality Arthur never would have been an actual king of all of Britain, he might have ruled over parts of Wales and Scotland instead of the fictional Camelot. In the legends, Camelot was the ultimate symbol of chivalry. Consisting of knights, round table, and Arthur who was and still is a symbol for all that is just and brave.
In the legends that date back to the 12th century around the time of the Celts, Arthur was said to have “pulled the sword from the stone,” then “he hurried to Bedegraine and defeats a rogue band of 11 powerful men who had rebelled against his leadership” (“King”). Merlin, the wizard who had taken care of Arthur since birth, arranged the entire sword in the stone contest. Merlin could have fixed the contest so that Arthur could rule. The only reason Merlin was caretaker of Arthur was because Arthur’s father, King Uther Pendragon, wanted to marry Igraine who at the time was married to the Duke of Tintagel. The only way Merlin agreed to this was if there was a child born to them, then the child must live with him (“Alfred”).
Many stories came out of the legend of King Arthur, for example the story of Sir Gawain & the Green Knight. In another tale Sir Galahad, son of Sir Lancelot who falls in love with Arthur’s wife Guinevere, is sent off on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Once Galahad finds the Holy Grail he kills himself thinking of himself as “too pure” to continue in life, giving him the nickname “perfect knight”. “With the Holy Grail the symbol of true knightly goodness, the picture of Arthur as all that is good and right was weakened,” and the downfall of the beautiful tale of Camelot tragically ends (“King”).
THE HUNDRED YEARS' WAR BY XXXXXXX (PICTURES NEED CITATIONS - Works Cited Pics info incorrect format)
The 100 Years War, which actually lasted 116 years (Wheeler), happened during the Medieval Ages. This was the time when England was a “vassal” of France, and the King of England wanted to be free of the French rule. To complicate matters, the King of France, Charles IV, died without a male heir. The English King, because his mother was the sister of Charles, had a right to the French throne (Meissner). Philip IV, who was the grandson of Philip III, also had claim to the throne (EHistory). Through this, the war started over the rule of France, and during the course of this war, the people who waged the war had either died or gone insane. Despite this, they still fought each other. [THIS SENTENCE IS INACCURATE AND NEEDS CLARIFICATION].
The war began in 1337, in France. From the beginning of the war to 1394, the battles going back and forth, [GRAMMAR ISSUES] with France winning. In 1394, the two countries had a treaty, with it, the (during that time) Princess of France, would marry into the house of the King of England. From 1415 through the Battle of New Orleans(1428), the English were winning the war, and pushing France further and further back into their own territory. From the battle of New Orleans, the tide changes with the arrival of a young girl. Joan of Arc, who was a peasant girl, led many victories for the French crown struck back. She led the French army to attack the English army several times, emerging victorious over the English army in major battles. Later, she was captured and killed, dubbed as a witch, later found innocent and a martyr. From then to the end of the war, the French were pushing the English from France. With the withdrawal of England from the war, Philip VII was crowned king of France.
For more information, watch
MEDIEVAL ARMOR BY XXXXXXXX (PICTURES NEED CITATIONS and Works Cited)
Introduction
An iron clad Knight charges ahead on the Medieval battlefield, leaving a trail of blood behind him as he trudges along on his war horse. Sneaking behind him, an enemy has unsheathed his sword, and drawn it high above his head. Swinging down to fatally wound the mounted soldier, the sword lands a direct blow to the head of the knight. Unexpectedly, the sword bounces off harmlessly and the Plated battler continues his onslaught of the opposition. Medieval armor, a symbol of the dark ages, provided the blueprints for all body protection that would follow. This “living fortress” (“Knight's Armor” 1) made its wearer almost invulnerable to virtually every type of weapon used on the battlefield. Representing wealth and status, this elaborate suit was worn solely by illustrious knights. These knights, fully equipped, became unstoppable killing machines.
Components
The plated Armor a Medieval warrior would wear onto the battlefield would consist of many intricate pieces of metal that when assembled together, put up an effective barrier against the opponents’ sharp steel weapons. These different sections are stated below (“Knight's Armor” 2) .
sabatons-iron plates placed on top of boots
greaves- plates protecting ankle and calves of knight
Poleyn- round piece of metal covering the knee cap
cuisses-wrapped around the upper legs; protected the thighs
spurs-whiplike cords worn on the bottom of the boots to direct the warhorse in times of battle
besauges- circular shield like plates attached to the shoulder so as to protect the armpit
rerebrace-protected the upper arm muscles such as the bicep and tricep
vambrace-long tubular plate that protected from the elbow to the wrist
Gauntlet-Composed of a metal ring and a hand plate, they usually had metal spikes protruding from them as to wound those foolish enough to come close enough to the knight in close quarter combat
Back/breast plate- covered the mid torso of the knight
Faulds- links of chainmail covering the knights most exposed body parts (aka the chink in their armor)
Visor- used for protection of the eyes and there was a small slit through the middle of it in which the knight could look through during battle. In times when the knight was not in battle, this visor could be lifted so that the knight could more easily communicate and breathe
Shield- worn usually on the left side of a knight, it served its function as a carrier of the knight’s crest for it was a symbol of status and was rarely actually needed in battle for the armor itself protected well enough to stop any weapon
Armor creation process
Because a suit of armor, depending on its complexity, could weigh anywhere from 25 to 100 pounds, An armorsmith on average required 40 pounds of raw iron to be extracted from the ground and brought to his facility. Next a hammer man would heat and through blows with his hammer would mold the raw iron into a rough shape of what each plate was supposed to look like and smooth out imperfections to prevent scratches. A millman would polish and shine the armor, refining the armor into the shape it will finally take. A finisher would then assemble the plates into sections that would be strong enough to defend a knight against any lethal weapon that came the knight’s way, but also to be light enough that the knight could embark the horse on his own.The knights of especially high status and wealth would have their armor painted with flecks of gold stating their unique trademark crest. Only extremely skilled armor guilds were allowed to create this protection for the kings’ warriors. These steps, as described by MIT professor Anne McCants, were crucial to the strength and longevity of the armor (McCants 3).
Development of armor
The simple form of protection commonly known as chain mail, is stated by Dr. Breiding to have been around for 3000 years ( Breiding 1) . Therefore, it seemed almost primitive on the medieval battlefield. It protected well against the slashing motions of a sword but provided little defense against projectiles such as arrows. Anne McCants states that plated armor was introduced in the 10th century and was refined until it reached its optimum shape in the 14th century (McCants 3). It evolved to protect against the rapidly changing weapons on the battlefield. In the beginning of the middle ages, a suit of armor consisted of thousands of rings of metal intricately woven together. By the end of this era, this was replaced by thick steel plates of armor covering the night against a variety of weapons such as the “two-handed sword, bow and arrows, crossbow, battle axe, mace, dagger and lance”(“Knights Armor” 3). No suit of armor could be guaranteed to stop all forms of weaponry from wounding the knight, but as time progressed, the techniques used in the construction of the armor lead to a more resistant form of defense. over time, refined their techniques as to be able to create thicker, more durable armor that kept up with the rapidly evolving weapons on the battlefield. At it’s most refined form, a suit was almost impossible to penetrate for the thick metal plating would deflect a weapons “Glancing blow on impact it would also absorb some of the blow’s energy”(Breiding 3).It is important to note that no piece of armor made a knight invulnerable and that every piece of armor had a weakness.
MEDIEVAL ART BY XXXXXX (PICTURES NEED CITATIONS; Works cited included)
The study of medieval art started after the French revolution during the 11th and 12th century when a new type of style emerged, known as Romanesque art. Romanesque art was heavily influenced by the declining influence of France and Spain resulting in the upbringing of English artisans, and architects (Chapuis 3). The medieval clergy were the biggest patrons of art during this time period. They dominated the culture of England during the 11th and 12th century. Some English artisans had still prevailed throughout English culture, despite the influence of the clergy.
Winchester Psalter is the perfect example of an English artisan who created images that bonded his imagination to biblical references and ideas. Above is a picture of his expressive version of the souls that are doomed to the depths of gapped toothed hell (“Beginnings of Medieval English Art” 1).
At the end of the twelfth century a new style emerged described as Gothic art. Gothic art originated in France by the painter Abbot Suger, who built the first gothic architecture named Abbey church of St. Denis. The ornate secular style rapidly spread throughout Europe, and commonly would replace romanesque architecture. Frescos, stained glass windows, and panel painting took over started to emerge defining gothic art. Above is a famous fresco from the gothic painter Peintres Primitifs Nicois. Most art was revolved around religious subjects. When the black death struck in the fourteenth century, art started to offer “a broad picture of various ways in which people coped with death” (Sigurd, “Art and Death” 2). Now scholars recognize that middle ages gothic art represented disparity and religious solace after the plague hit.
The Plague: Disease and Disaster by XXXXXXXX (Pictures need citation)
The year is 1347. The English nation has fallen to a great sickness. Neighbors, friends, and relatives all spread the disease among each other. People die in a matter of hours, and then transmit the sickness to anyone near them. Everybody is sick, and nobody is safe. As the disease spreads, over one-third of England succumbs to the epidemic. What caused this much chaos? It is surprisingly simple. The conditions in England, as well as the virus’ strength and adaptability, all contributed to the damage caused by The Black Death.
Conditions in all of Europe were incredibly poor during the Middle Ages. Filth coated the streets. Sewage flowed like water. The true problem, however, was not the dirt, but the rats. The black rat, not a native species to England, carried plague-infected fleas into the country from Eastern lands. The Center For Disease Control notes that “In urban areas or places with dense rat infestations, the plague bacteria can cycle between rats and their fleas,” meaning that the plague virus is transferred from the rats to the fleas and back (“Plague” 1). Typically, this virus never reaches humans. However, a unique phenomenon often occurs when “a desperate flea would mistakenly bite a human host, and then the human contracts the disease. Once a human is infected, the plague bacterium can spread for a few weeks by human fleas hopping from person to person and biting them...” (Wheeler 1). This means that it only takes one hungry flea for the virus to spread. As is shown in this graphic, the plague’s spread begins once a flea leaves its normal cycle to bite a
human host (Chamberlain).
[THIS IMAGE IS COPYRIGHTED, SO WE EITHER NEED TO LINK TO THE PICTURE OR WE NEED TO GET REPRINT PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR]
The speed and infectious nature of the Plague becomes exceedingly dangerous when England’s conditions are taken into account. With all the waste in public areas, humans would often have come in contact with the rat population. Once they did, the Plague would take root in their system, and begin to quickly kill them. It’s easy to see how a human could receive the plague virus. However, it is the strength and lethality of the virus that truly contributed to its epidemic disaster.
The Black Plague’s virus, Yersinia Pestis, was one of the most virulent epidemics to strike the Western world. This is mainly due to the plague’s quickness, strength, and adaptability. The plague virus could kill in a matter of days. Dr. L. Kip Wheeler says that “About two-thirds of the victims died within three or four days of developing symptoms. Most of the rest lingered about two weeks and then died” (Wheeler 1). The plague struck with quickness and lethality, as is shown in the quote. Furthermore, those who survived for weeks continued to spread the virus among many other people. The victims of the disease began to see “the agonizing rise of dark ‘buboes’: spots where dead blood and pus builds up in the lymph nodes” (Wheeler 1). The symptoms were incredibly lethal; most victims died from septicemia, an infection in the bloodstream (Damen 1). Occasionally, however, the buboes would burst, and the victim would enter toxic shock, and die soon after (Damen 1). This often spread the plague further when people nearby were coated with pus and infected blood. There was, however, one more way the virus spread so efficiently: its adaptability. Dr. Wheeler says that there was “a small but documented chance of it evolving into an airborne version (the "pneumatic strain") that infiltrates the blood vessels in the lungs” (1). This meant that, in urban high-density areas, the virus could spread to hundreds of people simply through the air. So, with these two strains of the virus combined, thousands could be infected in a matter of weeks. It is clear that the strength of the virus, when combined with the English living conditions, contributed to the plague’s disastrous spread.
Destruction and death followed the plague due to the people of England’s poor living conditions and the virus’ strength. However, these outbreaks of the 14th century were not the plague’s only attack on the human population. Plague outbreaks still continue today, and the most recent outbreak in America was in 1924 Los Angeles (“Plague” 2). This means the disease was so strong that it has adapted and survived over 600 years or more. This strength is what truly made the plague the worst disaster to strike England.
Women's Lives by XXXXXX (need citations for pictures)
Women during the Middle Ages are best symbolized as the Technical Crew in a play or movie. They served as the foundation in society and at home, but received little credit where due. Although, there is conflict among historians as to the role of women in Medieval Society. While a few have suggested there was a period labeled the “Golden Age” (Benenett 1), most have noted that life was a struggle for women during this timeframe. Women were viewed upon as less than men and were forced into a life of subservience to all men (Trueman 1). Starting with the sinister beginning of Adam and Eve that haunted the woman. As the story goes, Eve presented Adam with the forbidden fruit, consequently leading to the Original Sin leaving the generations to come in damnation. Unfortunately, this event “underlined the belief that women were inferior to men, and that they were morally weaker and likely to tempt men into sin” (Fischer 1). With that being said, women were oddly enough able to break the chains and accumulate power through the
same doctrine that oppressed them from the start.
Christianity was very popular during the Middle Ages, as it offered a chance of advanced education, expression of creativity and leadership among the converts (Fisher 2).
One of the highest positions in the church was that of the Abbes (Bryan 1). An Abbess was the leader of the nunnery and at times the monastery as well (Bryan 1). While the abbess had significant power and authority, they were still dragged down by restriction. For example, an Abbess could not give communion because of her womanhood (Bryan 1)
Woman also played an important role during The Crusades. Many women fought alongside their men (Fisher 2). One of the most famous women Crusader was Joan of Arc. She was known to be a “mystic” since she had religious visions (Fisher 3).
The Medieval Period was an interesting time for women. Religion was a big part of everyday life and offered a rather paradoxical approach, empowering women and restraining them.
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