Cultural and intellectual developments

Cultural Developments (750–1400)

The Middle Ages or Mediaeval period was a time of diverse and rich cultural evolution.
The Christian Church was a major influence on art, architecture, music and education.
Architecture evolved from Romanesque to Gothic styles, showcasing the period’s complexity and cultural refinement. The characteristic pointed arches, stained glass windows and tall, slender structures are significant identifiers of Gothic architecture.
Monasticism was a key element of Mediaeval culture. Monasteries acted as centres of learning, maintaining the intellectual traditions of classical civilization.
The era saw a rise in the composition of narrative epic poems like Beowulf and The Song of Roland.
Courtly love, a cultural phenomenon which romanticised the idea of chivalry, had a profound influence on literature and music.

Intellectual Developments (750–1400)

Scholasticism, a method of critical thought which dominated teaching by the academics or “scholastics” of mediaeval universities, strongly influenced intellectual life.
The study of classical texts of Greek and Roman philosophers, particularly by scholar-monks, preserved and furthered ancient knowledge.
Universities began to become established, further disseminating knowledge and fostering intellectual growth.
The translation movement in the 12th century made Arabic, Greek and Roman scholarly texts available to Western Europe, spurring intellectual development.
Some key advancements were made in science and medicine, including better understanding of anatomy with the translation of Galen’s works, and the introduction of Aristotle’s scientific system to the West.
A surge in philosophical discussion saw the rise of great thinkers like St. Thomas Aquinas and Duns Scotus, who synthesised Christian theology and classical philosophy.
Legal studies developed significantly, with the establishment of common law in England and the spread of Roman law in Europe.

These points provide an overview of the cultural and intellectual developments during this era. It’s important to explore these periods in detail to understand the nuances, motifs and methods that characterised this era’s art, literature, philosophy and scientific progress.