History of Art: The Middle Ages

Use these online videos to study the history of art and architecture during the Middle Ages

With this title, you'll examine the effects of the Crusades on life in the Middle Ages and the important role played by monasteries. Use our 3 online educational video titles to examine the effects of the Crusades on life in the Middle Ages (A.D. 1-1450), and the important role-played by monasteries in sustaining literacy and learning. Study the significance of Charlemagne's reign, and understand why the Roman Catholic Church became the most powerful unifying force in Europe. See examples of Gothic cathedrals. View the magnificent stained glass windows of Chartres and Notre Dame de Paris cathedrals. Listen to selections from Gregorian chants. Discover the profound influence of Christianity on medieval art and architecture, and learn how Christian ideals encouraged the development of a new artistic style that was distinct from classicism.

Learning Objectives:

• Study the significance of Charlemagne's reign, and understand why the Roman Catholic Church became the most powerful unifying force in Europe.
• Learn how Christian ideals encouraged the development of a new art that was distinct from classicism, and explore the important role of monasteries in preserving literacy and learning.
• Examine the cultural impact of Constantine's rule and the Crusades, and gain insight to the profound influence of Christian beliefs on medieval philosophy and cathedral architecture.
• Identify characteristics of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

• Art > History Through Art > The Middle Ages
• Early Christianity (Runtime: 09:53)
• The Dark Ages (Runtime: 09:22)
• Romanesque and Gothic (Runtime: 08:51)