Is the “dark ages” an appropriate
way to describe the middle ages?
By Jullien Romero
Essay response
Is the “dark ages” an appropriate way to describe the middle ages? Some historians would tell you “ not much has
happened in this time”. Well, they were wrong. After reviewing my project, you will come to agree that the middle ages
brought new ideas, religions, governments and ways of life to this earth.
In my opinion, I believe trade was a big part in making the middle ages seem not so dark. An example of trade in the middle
ages was with China and Japan. Trade was not only an economic booster but a way for countries to communicate. Trade
brought different ideas, religions ,items and even influence in how government was ran.
In conclusion, the “dark ages” is not an appropriate way to describe the middle ages because , the claim that “not much
happened” is false. The middle ages basically shaped a foundation for the world we live in today. If the events that had
happened had not taken place then the world would possibly be dark now. I hope the evidence provide with convince you to
agree with me.
Document B
…Know that we, at the prompting of God and for the health of our soul and the souls of our ancestors and
successors, for the glory of holy Church and the improvement of our realm, freely and out of our good will have
given and granted to the archbishops, bishops, abbots, priors, earls, barons and all of our realm these liberties
written below to hold in our realm of England in perpetuity.
Article 1: In the first place we grant to God and confirm by this our present charter for ourselves and our heirs in
perpetuity that the English Church is to be free and to have all its rights fully and its liberties entirely. We
furthermore grant and give to all the freemen of our realm for ourselves and our heirs in perpetuity the liberties
written below to have and to hold to them and their heirs from us and our heirs in perpetuity.
…Article 29: No freeman is to be taken or imprisoned or disseised of his free tenement or of his liberties or free
customs, or outlawed or exiled or in any way ruined, nor will we go against such a man or send against him save
by lawful judgement of his peers or by the law of the land. To no-one will we sell or deny of delay right or justice.
Magna Carta, 1215
Document analysis
1.
How did religion influence the Magna Carta?
To begin, just by reading the first sentence, a trace of christianity is shown by using the term “god” as well as “holy church”. Throughout
history in europe the church was the most important thing and what the church said went. Everyone wanted fairness and they borrowed these
ideas from the church.
2. How did the Magna Carta limit the power of King John?
The big thing the magna carta did was limit the power of the king by making him less powerful. King John was not allowed to do as he
pleased and everything he wanted to have done had to be approved. An example of something he couldnt do is put a man to trial without
reasoning.
3. How did the Magna Carta lay the foundation for democracy?
The magna carta was the first step in creating an equal government. The magna Carta basically limited the king’s power so he could not rule
unfairly. Or in other words, it limited him to having too much power. Changes had to be approved by a council with multiple opinions not just
one.
Document c
Joan of Arc (1412-1431), a national heroine of France, claimed to hear voices from God that called her to help the French drive the English
out of France. Indeed, she led a French army in a victory over the English at Orleans. Later, a French court with English sympathies
sentenced her to death. By her acts of bravery and by helping to unite the French, Joan contributed to the formation of a French national
identity. Indeed, most French people view her as a symbol of national consciousness.
This miniature painting was created around 1450, during the Late Middle Ages. European painting at that time started to show some of the
naturalistic influence of the ancient Greek and Roman artists. However, these works retain some of the flatness that characterized medieval
art.
Document Analysis
1.
How does this painting show the influence of religion on politics?
The first thing I noticed was angels on the flag to the right. This proves that Joan Of Arc had ties to christianity , she also
credits god and the church for telling her she was going to win the battles.
2. Do you think the painter of this picture viewed Joan of Arc as a heroine? Explain.
I do, the painter paints Joan in her armor which portrays has as strong and fearless. Joan saved France from the english,
resulting in heroine status for her.
3. How does this painting combine the style of the ancient Greek and Roman artists with that of the artists of the Middle Ages? Give
examples.
After looking at this painting, I see some gothic influence. The painting is dark as well as medieval. The middle ages are seen alot through
this painting.Greek and Roman styles are shown through biblical imagery.
Document F
Trade goods from China and Korea were silk, brocades, cotton, tea, books, copper coins, and porcelain.
Japanese wares were swords, folding fans, sulfur, copper, and silver. Japanese priests on religious pilgrimages
often went along on these journeys as well. Chinese and Korean artists, potters, and priests also made the
journey to Japan. . . . Japanese merchants ranged far afield in Southeast Asia as well. Whole communities of
Japanese merchants set up shop in the Philippines, Siam, Taiwan, and the other islands.
The History of Japan by Louis G. Perez, Greenwood Press, 1998, page 42.
Document analysis
1.
Based on this excerpt, do you think trade was instrumental in the spread of Buddhism to Japan? Explain.
I believe it is. When people were sent to China from Japan, the chinese way of life influenced the Japanese which led to
Japan replicating ways of the chinese which started the spread of buddhism to Japan.
2. Summarize the trade relations described in this excerpt. Do you think the geographic locations of Japan, China, and Korea contributed to
this trade? Explain.
Yes I do, these countries are all very close to each other. They basically could only trade with each other because they were
basically isolated from the world. Together government, religion and ideas were spread between the 3 countries.
3. How do you think people in Japan, China, and Korea were affected by the trade described here? Explain.
I believe trade had a positive effect on everyone, trade opened everyone up to new ideas, beliefs and showed these people
how life was in these other countries. The new ideology influenced the way these countries are today.
Is the “dark ages” an appropriate way to describe the middle ages?
No it is not an appropriate way to describe the middles ages. The information
above supports my thesis that interesting things happened during this time. If not
for the events of the middle ages, I believe the world would not be the way it is
today. Without the middle ages we would not have had the foundation for
democracy, or an idea of how other cultures lived. To summarize this I think the
world would be isolated and very undeveloped. It is amazing how not to long ago
the basis for how the world is ran today was just developed a few hundred years
ago. In conclusion I believe the examples above show that the middle ages were
not dark but very important.