The early schools,<i>c</i>. 900–1100
Guy Lobrichon
The tenth and eleventh centuries do not deserve the neglect that has been their lot. Recent historiography – whether emphasising theme of steady transformation or interested rather in idea a decisive rupture around year 1000 brilliantly illuminated movements were progress throughout this period. These affected only major kingdoms France, Germany England, but whole group western societies which we have come to designate ‘Latin Christianity’, contrast with Byzantine eastern Christianity. Between about 900 1100, area can fact be reduced Italy, few oases Iberian peninsular fighting for Christian reconquest France England. small Scandinavian kingdoms, culturally dependent on had hardly emerged, while east Europe dividing line appeared, signalling gradual separation between Latin Greek zones influence. leaders Frankish countries established domination at end eighth century ninth expense empire, first appropriating themselves then cultivating symbolic power both ancient Rome, dipping enthusiastically into Judaeo-Christian Bible federal themes shared ideology. wind changed centuries. dream culture subservient strong authority disappeared, giving way regional cultures, disconnected from power, relied more than before liberal arts quadrivium trivium, less concerned communal benefit biblical models moral spiritual function. However, there was change direction second half century: it announced process restructuring under way, inaugurating profound used West.
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