Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

St. Stephen’s College

Form Two: Integrated Humanities Topic 7: The development of European civilisation

Name: _____________________ Class: ______ ( ) Date: ________________________

In this topic, we will learn about

Part 1: when and how European classical civilisation emerged

Part 2: the legacy and significance of classical civilisation

a. form of governance
b. culture

Part 3: Medieval Europe and the making of Christendom

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

Part 1: When and how European classical civilisation emerged.

A. What is civilisation?

Historians generally think that an ancient civilised society has the following features:
• People could write for making records and communication
• People built and lived in towns and cities
• People formed government and made laws
• People practiced their religious beliefs
• People developed science and technology

The following are the four great civilisations of the ancient world which were located in Asia
and Africa. Since they were all located in river valleys, they were called river valley civilisation.

Fertile Crescent civilisation

(about 4000 BC)
Indus Valley civilisation
(about 2600 BC)

Huanghe Valley civilisation

(about 1600 BC)
Nile Valley civilisation
(about 4000 BC)

Do you still remember what do BC and AD stand for?

Here are some historical events happened in European history. Put the letters
representing each event in the boxes above the timeline.

A. In AD 1941, the Second
World War broke out.
D. In 44 BC, Julius Caesar
became a dictator for life.
B. Since 776 BC, the Greek
city-states organised the
Olympic Games every four
years
E. In AD 1054, the Great
Schism split Christianity
into two divisions.
C. In 336 BC, Alexander the
Great succeeded his
father and built a great
empire in ten years.
F. In 146 BC, Greece was
conquered by the
Romans.

B C F D E A

Birth of Jesus Christ

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

B. The development of European civilisation until the end of Medieval Times

Since around 4000 BC, the Fertile Crescent civilisation and the Nile River civilisation had
gradually spread to other places through wars and trade. This led to the rise of early civilisation
in the Mediterranean region.

From about 800 BC, the ancient Greeks absorbed the Aegean civilisation, while the ancient
Romans learned from the ancient Greeks. Both developed their own civilisations later on. They
were collectively known as the ‘Greco-Roman civilisation’ or ‘classical civilisation’. It is regarded
as the origin of European civilisation.

Between the 8th century BC and the 6th century AD, classical European civilisation started in the
Mediterranean region. It then spread in Europe, Asia and Africa. It was an important stage of
European civilisation and had great contribution to the development of human civilisation.

Ancient
Greco-Roman civilization

The Medieval Times was from the fall of the Western Roman Empire in AD 476 to the discovery
of America by Columbus in AD 1492. The outbreak of the First World War in AD 1914 marked
the beginning of the contemporary times.

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

i) Ancient Greek civilisation

Ancient Greek civilisation centred in the Aegean Sea region, including the Greek Peninsula, the
Aegean Islands, Crete as well as the western coastal regions in Asia Minor.

Since the landscape of answer Greece was unique with many hills, transportation was hard. As a
result, ancient Greece did not form a united country. Instead, many city-states emerged.

From 800 BC to 600 BC, there were more than 200 city-states in Greece. Even these city-states
had their own culture, political systems and laws. They shared common language and the same
myths. Athens and Sparta were the most famous ones and represented the two unique types of
city states.

Athens
Location Located in the south-eastern coast
of the Greek Peninsula
Politics Democracy: all citizens could take
part in governance; the Assembly
formed by all citizens had the
highest authority
Education Valued education, children were
sent to schools to study
Characteristics • A lot of thinkers, scientists and
writers
• The first to have democracy in
the world
• Had the strongest navy in the
Mediterranean Sea
• The wealthiest city-states in
Greece
• Built many great temples and
open-air theatres
Sparta
Located in the mountain area of
southern Greek Peninsula
Oligarchy: all citizens could take part
in governance, but only a small
group of people had the highest
authority
Valued military training, but not on
education. Children could barely
read
• A lot of strong, brave and skilled
soldiers
• Good at sports
• Had a strong army
• All citizens had hard military
training

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

The rapid development of city-states brought the ancient Greek civilisation into its golden age.
The ancient Greeks set up colonies in the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions. The
Macedonian king Alexander the Great further built up a large empire that covered Europe, Asia
and Africa. The ancient Greek civilisation was thus widely spread in these conquered areas.

However, from the 3rd century BC, the ancient Romans started invading ancient Greece. They
finally occupied the Greek peninsula in 146 BC. The Peninsula was then mainly influenced by the
ancient Roman civilisation. The ancient Greek civilisation declined.

ii) Ancient Roman civilisation

In 753 BC, a tribe called the Latins settled in central Italy. They
built many villages along River Tiber. These villages later
united to form the city of Rome. The people were known as
‘Romans’. The ancient Roman civilisation began here.

The history of ancient Rome is usually divided into three periods: The Roman Kingdom, the
Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.

Roman Kingdom Roman Republic Roman Empire

(753 BC to 509 BC) (509 BC to 27 BC) (27 BC to AD 476)

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

 Roman Republic (509 BC – 27 BC)

 The republican system

After the founding of Rome, the Romans were ruled by kings (monarchy). In 509 BC, the
Romans overthrew their cruel king and set up the Roman Republic.

The word 'republic’ comes from the Latin phrase 'res publica', meaning 'public affairs’. It
now refers to 'a form of government or state ruled by the people'

The Roman republic was ruled by two consuls. They were the highest officials to be
nominated each year by the Senate, a legislative body. The Senate was formed by 300
patricians (nobles), who were responsible for legal and foreign affairs.

In early Roman Republic, only patricians could be consuls and senators. After the plebeians
(commoner) fought for participation, they could finally elect two tribunes to join the
Senate.

Later, an Assembly was added. Its members were elected by the plebeians. They could
participate in legislation. In such ways, the Roman Republic became a government ruled by
two houses under bicameralism.

2
consuls
Senate + Tribunes
(upper house)
Citizen Assemblies
(lower house)

 Expansion of the Republic and dictatorship of Julius Caesar

Since the 3rd century BC, the Roman

Republic had defeated Carthage and
Macedonia. The victories allowed it to
dominate the Mediterranean Sea, but also
led to the rise of military dictators as the
lengthy warfare led to problems in politics
for the Roman Republic

In 59 BC, the general Julius Caesar, one of

the famous military dictators, was elected
as a consul. Under his leadership, Rome
became more powerful and people’s lives
were improved.

The Senate was jealous of Caesar’s increasing military power and prestige. In 49 BC, it
supported Pompey, a general who once ruled Rome with Caesar, to start a civil war to
overthrow Caesar. Finally Caesar won the war. He held all power and became a dictator for
life in 44 BC.

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

A statue of Julius Caesar in Rome, Italy

 End of Roman Republic

In 44 BC, Caesar was killed by the senators. His adopted son Octavian worked with Caesar’s
general Antony. They gained power and ruled the Roman Republic together. However, a
civil war broke out between then in 31 BC. Antony was defeated and killed himself.

Since then, Octavian became the sole ruler of the Roman Republic. In 27BC, the Senate
offered him the title ‘Augustus’, meaning the supreme ruler, and he called himself Augustus
Caesar in memory of Julius Caesar. Starting with Augustus, Rome changed from republic to
imperial rule. The Roman Empire started.

 Roman Empire (27 BC - AD 476)

The Roman emperor was not elected by citizens. He ruled for life, holding military and
political power. The Senate under the empire did not hold much real power.

In its 500 years of history, the Roman Empire was rich and strong in the first 200 years. Its
territories covered Europe, Asia, and Africa, and it was one of the greatest empires of the
ancient world. At that time, life was peaceful within the Roman Empire. Thus it was called
the periods of Roman Peace (Pax Romana).

In AD 395, the Roman Empire was divided into the Western and the Eastern Empires. In AD
476, the Western Roman Empire was overthrown by the Germanic warriors. The
subsequent prolonged wars in Europe cased the civilisation to decline.

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

Part 2: The legacy and significance of classical civilisation

A. Forms of governance

i) Ancient Greece

 Spartan oligarchy

‘Oligarchy’ means ‘rule by a small group of people’ in ancient Greek. Around the 8th BC, Sparta
turned into oligarchy. There were still kings, but the Council of Elders, with 2 kings and 28 elders
chosen from nobles aged over 60, got the highest power.

The elders in Sparta were chosen from nobles, the minority of the population. This system was
adopted and improved by the later generations. The Roman Republic was an example.

 Athenian democracy

‘Democracy’ means ‘rule by the people’ in ancient Greek. In the 6th century BC, the Athenians
set up a democratic government. The Assembly was the decision-making body. All citizens
regardless of wealth could vote (included secret ballot) on bills, and they could be elected as
officials by lots to make sure that all citizens had the fair opportunity to participate in politics.

Citizens’ Assembly Council of Five Hundred

All male citizens To choose 50 representatives from
Members
each of the ten districts by lot, thus
forming 500 members
About 40 times every year Everyday
Time of meeting
All citizens might speak at the On year term of service
Characteristics
Assembly and seek for legislation
or legal action
To pass laws and the important To set agenda for the Citizens’
Duties
policies of the city-states, such as Assembly and manage daily affairs
declaring war, making peace, of the city-states
supply of food, etc

Today, the political systems of many countries learn from the Athenian democratic system of
‘public participation’ and ‘secret ballot’.

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

ii) Ancient Rome

 Republican system

The Roman developed the republican system from the Greek foundation of democracy. The
English word, ‘republic’, coming from the Latin words res publica, means the ‘public affairs of
the citizens’.

In the political system of the Roman Republic, executive power, legislative power and judicial
power belonged to the consuls, the Senate and the Assembly, and the judges respectively. It
represented the concept of the balance of power, which is the model for many governments
nowadays. For example, the President of the United States and the Roman consuls are both
elected with terms of service. The Congress of the United States has similar functions of the
Roman Senate and Assembly.

In the early Roman Republic, political power was in the hands of a few patricians. The power
was later shared by the plebeians. As the Roman Republic was opening official positions to the
plebeians, they could have equal political positions as the patricians. This inspired the later
democratic system to give equal political rights to all citizens.

 Imperial system

During the period of the Roman Empire, the Roman emperor was an absolute ruler who held all
executive, military and judicial powers. He was above all government organs. Different
governors were appointed by the emperor to rule the provinces. They were responsible directly
to the emperor. This maintained the stability of the conquered regions as well as the empire.

The Roman system of administrative centralisation has become an important model for later
reference. In many modern states, the central government holds supreme power and local
governments get their power to rule from the central government.

City-state / Sparta Athens Roman Republic Roman Empire

country
Form of Oligarchy Democracy Republican system Imperial system
governance
Main Rule by a few Rule by all Oligarchy and Emperor’s absolute
features nobles citizens democracy power
Centre of The Council of The Assembly Consuls (2 people), Emperor
power Elders (30 people) (at least 6,000 Senate (600 people) and
people) the Assembly
Political All citizens could join All citizens could By the 4th century BC, all The emperors held all

participation and cast votes in the take part in citizens could join and political power. The

of citizens Assembly. Only governance. vote in the Assembly. The Assembly, the Senate
elderly nobles could plebeians and the and citizens lost
be elected to the patricians could join the political power.
Council of Elders Senates and become
consuls

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

B. Law
(i) Ancient Greece

The early ancient Greek law was not clearly stated and written down. The nobles held all
political power and enforced the law at will. In the 6th century, Athens carried out legal reforms
to protect civil rights.

In Athens, all people would be tried by a public court. Jurors would be chosen from different
classes. This ensured the fairness of the trial.

The Athenians placed great value on civil rights and law. The Romans learned their idea of the
rule of law from the Athenians. Many modern countries adopt the jury system which makes the
legal system more open and just.

(ii) Ancient Rome

As early as the time of the Roman Republic, the Romans had

established the Laws of the Twelve Tables, with reference to
the ancient Greek law, and set up clear legal steps and
principles to the rights of common people.

The Roman law was famous for being strict and complete. Its
basic principle was that personal property should not be
violated, and that everyone was equal before law. All citizens
from the Roman provinces could appeal to Rome if they
though they received unfair judgement. The Roman law laid
the foundation for the later concept of the rule of law for
Western countries.

C. Creation of culture
i) Greek mythology

The ancient Greeks worshipped many gods and goddesses. They believed that there were
twelve major gods who lived on Mount Olympus. The ancient Greek heroes were half-god and
half-man. They had human feelings and often behaved like humans. Zeus was the head of the
gods. They had great strength and wisdom.

The most famous ancient Greek event, the Olympic Games, was
related to myths. It was held to honour Zeus. The Greek would
stop fighting during the game, so that athletes could reach the
arena and join the games. The winners would get the highest
honour - a crown made of olive leaves on their heads. The first
modern Olympic Games was held in Athens in AD 1896. Since
then, it was held in various cities every four year.

Greek mythology influenced the development of European languages as well. Many modern
English words come from Greek myths. The English words ‘hygiene’ and ‘music’ are famous
examples. The word hygiene comes from the Greek word ‘Hygieia’, the Goddess of Health. The
word music comes from the Greek work ‘Muse’. The Muses was the Goddess of the Arts.

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

King of the Gods: Queen of the Gods: God of the Sea: God of the Underworld:
Zeus Hera Poseidon Hades

God of the Sun: Goddess of the Moon: God of Fire: Goddess of Wisdom:
Apollo Artemis Hephaestus Athena

God of War: Goddess of Love: Messenger of the Gods: Goddess of the Earth:
Ares Aphrodite Hermes Demeter

The photo of the left shows the building of Hong

Kong Court of Final Appeal in Central.

The ancient Greek Goddess of Justice and Law,

Themis, could be found on the building.

She holds a pair of scales, the symbol of fair trial in

one hand; and a sword, the symbol of power to
punish criminals in the other hand. She is
blindfolded, which represent the spirit of the rule of
law – fairness.

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

ii) Philosophy

‘Philosophy’ comes from a Greek word meaning ‘the love of wisdom’. The ancient Greeks were
good at thinking. They inquired into different aspects if life, e.g. politics (how to rule a city-
state), morality (how to have high moral values) and the universe. They asked any questions
and tried to find the answers through methods such as rational arguments. This gave birth to
Western philosophy.

Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, known as the ‘three Greek sages of philosophy’, were regarded as
the founders of Western philosophy. Today, many scholars still study their philosophical ideas.

iii) Art

Greek sculpture was famous in the world. The Greeks were good at using marbles and bronze
to make lively sculpture, especially statues. They were finely made and looked alive with
motion and emotion.

Roman sculpture is a realistic with lively image. The relief sculptures on different Roman
buildings showing the faces and costumes of the persons in detail, had precious values in
history and art.

Furthermore, the Roman mosaic is also well known to the world it has become the traditional
decorations in medieval churches and it is still popular as decorations.

A sculpture of Discobolus Relief sculpture on the Arch of Alexander mosaic

Constantine

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

iv) Architecture

 Ancient Greece

Greek architects built many big palaces and temples, such as the famous Parthenon, which was
located at the Acropolis of Athens for the worship of Athena. At that time, most of these
buildings used marble columns with triangular walls at the top. It formed unique Greek style.
Many famous modern buildings, such as the British Museum and the United States Capital
Building, are influenced by the ancient Greek architectural style.

The British Museum

 Ancient Roman

The Romans built many long-lasting historical sites, such as palaces, temples, theatres, public
baths, arenas and forums.

The Romans took ideas such as tall columns from the Greeks. They also created large arches and
domes. These developed the typical style of Roman architecture.

The Romans were good at building bridges. They built high bridges called viaducts to carry a
road across a valley. To bring freshwater from the mountain down to the city, they built canals
on high bridges called aqueducts.

The Pantheon in Rome The Colosseum in Rome

The Roman Forum in Rome Aqueducts built by the Romans

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

v) Creation of writing

The Romans spoke and wrote Latin. Latin was once used all over the Roman Empire. English,
French, Italian, and some other Western European languages were developed from Latin as
well. Furthermore, the Romans created their own numbers, which are still used by many
countries in the world.
Latin words English words Roman numerals and their corresponding Arabic
numerals
aqua (water) aquarium I 1 VII 7 D 500
urbs (city) urban II 2 VIII 8 M 1000
sub (under) subway III 3 IX 9 XIV 14
mare (sea) marine IV 4 X 10 XC 90
pedes (feet) pedestrian V 5 L 50 CDXLIX 449
liber (book) library VI 6 C 100 MMXXI 2021

D. Science

i) Medicine

Hippocrates believed that there were natural causes for diseases, not because of punishments
by gods. His Hippocratic Oath has become the code of conduct for all Western medical doctors.
He was called the ‘Father of Medicine’.

ii) Mathematics

There were many great mathematicians and physicists in ancient Greece. Their theories, such as
the Pythagoras’ theorem in geometry discovered by Pythagoras, as well as the law of the lever
and Archimedes Principle discovered by Archimedes, still influence the science world today.

The Fields Medal, the highest honour in the field

of present-day Mathematics, is carved with the
image of Archimedes.

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

Change and continuity

Source A

During the ancient Greek Olympic Games, people would light the Olympic flame at the
temple of Zeus and that f this wife, Hera, in order to honour Zeus. The first Olympic torch
relay was held in 1936 Olympic Games. The flame would be started in front of the temple of
Hera in Olympia, then travel around the world until it reaches the final destination – the
central stadium in the host city of the Game.
Provenance: http://www.ourtrails.com.tw

Source B

Inheriting the spirit of the ancient Olympic Games, the modern Olympic Games has kept a
few traditional Olympic sports including swimming, athletics, gymnastics and fencing.
Provenance: http://app3.rthk.hk/elearning/sports/olympics/

Source C

In the ancient Olympic Games, there were no second and third places, and each sport could
only have one winner. Therefore, the winner had very high status. He would be crowned with
wreath of love branches, and his success would be made into an epic at that time.
Provenance: Chen, Heng, Ancient Greece (Hong Kong: Joint Publishing, 2001)

In which aspects do you think the modern Olympic Games has continued the ancient Greek
Olympic Games? In which aspects has it changed?

Continuity Change Reasons

(you may ✓ both boxes)
Purpose ✓ Ancient Olympic Games were held to honour Zeus, while
the modern Olympic Games are held for athletes from
different countries to compete with each other.

Opening ✓ ✓ Modern Olympic Games keep the tradition of lighting

ceremony Olympic flame in the ancient Olympic Games. A new
torch relay has been added

Sports ✓ ✓ Modern Olympic Games keep traditional sports from the

ancient Olympic Games. Some new sports such as diving
and Kata are also included.

Prize ✓ Only the winner would be crowned a wreath made of

olive branches in ancient Olympic Games. In the modern
Olympic Games, the first three will receive medals.

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

Part 3: Medieval Europe and the making of Christendom

The Medieval Times refers to the period between the ancient times and the modern times. From the fall
of the Western Roman Empire in AD 476 to the discovery of America by Columbus in 1492, this period is
called the Medieval Times or Middle Ages.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire,

Western Europe was divided into different
kingdoms. To strengthen their rule, kings gave
lands to nobles in return for their loyalty. The
feudal system began and spread in Europe during
the period of AD 800-1400.

Under the feudal system, the overlords (upper

classes) would grant land and protection to their
vassals (lower classes) in return for their loyalty
and services. As a result, an overlord-vassal
relationship developed between all classes. This
relationship, together with different forms of rule
and the hereditary system, made up the medieval
European feudal society.

A. Characteristics of feudal society

i) Rigid class structure

The medieval European society was Swear loyalty, pay Give LAND and titles
organised into a hierarchy. The four taxes, and fight to upper nobles
for the king
classes from top to bottom were king,
upper nobles, knights (lower nobles) and
Swear loyalty, pay Give LAND to
peasants. Social mobility was low. lower nobles (i.e.,
taxes, and fight for
the upper nobles knights)

Serve and pay taxes to Allow peasants to FARM

the lords (upper and LIVE on their manors;
nobles and knights) offer protection to the
peasants

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

ii) Contractual relationship

In a feudal society, the relations between the overlords and the vassals were based on mutual
rights and services. They had a contractual relationship. The overlords would give land to their
vassals and protect them. In return, the vassals should be loyal to their lords and be responsible
for different kinds of services, such as paying taxes and providing military aids, or becoming
their servants. If they failed to fulfil these duties, their lords could take back the land.

iii) Hereditary system

The vassals could pass their land on to their next generations, but they cannot sell them. When
a vassal died, usually his son would receive the title and the land. If the vassal had no children or
heirs, his land would be taken back by his lord or the king.

iv) Manorial system

The manorial system was used by the overlords to manage their lands. The overlords built
castles or houses as residence. The surrounding farmlands were provided to peasants. The
manor economy was self-sufficient. Manors produced food and daily goods. Trade among them
was therefore limited.

v) Knights and chivalry

In medieval Europe, a knighthood became an honorary title.

People who had received training were qualified as knights. The
king and upper nobles would grant them knighthood and lands.

Knights had to follow the rules of chivalry, which included

loyalty, bravery, diligence, being humble, protecting the weak
and selfless sacrifice. Chivalry regulated the morality and duties
of knights. To a knight, honour was more important than his life.

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

B. Legacy and significance of medieval European civilisation

i) Respect for contract and constitution

Both overlords and vassals valued their feudal rights and duties in their contractual relationship.
The contractual spirit became a social norm.

In 1215, the British nobles were dissatisfied

with their king. They forced the king to sign
Magna Carta in order to protect their
exploited rights. It states that the king
should recognize the rights of his people
while the people should obey him.

Magna Carta was the earliest constitutional

legal document in British history, which laid
the foundation for the British constitutional
monarchy, influencing deeply the later
constitutions of the world. They are made to
ensure equality, protection of human
freedom and respect for personal property
of many countries today.

ii) Rises of cities

During the Medieval Times, some merchants, craftsmen and their families lived outside manors.
They provided services and started trading. Their settlements later developed into towns with a
lot of shops and stores.

At first, the people living in the towns had to pay heavy taxes to the noble lords. However, later,
as the merchants became wealthy bourgeoisie, they could pay for a charter from their lord and
gain autonomy for the towns

In AD 11th century, Europe was more stable. Population increased rapidly. There were many
cities whose population reached over 10,000, such as Florence and Milan in Italy, London in
Britain and Paris in France. These cities were very prosperous in the late Medieval Times, and
they are still capitals or important economic centres in Europe nowadays.

iii) Emergence of universities.

During early Medieval Times, education was strictly controlled by the Church. Church schools
mainly taught religious knowledge.

Later, more townspeople pursued knowledge other than religious aspect. They started to study
in some newly-built schools. This gave rise to
many universities in Europe since the 12th
century. At that time, there were faculties of
medicine, law and theology, with bachelor,
master and doctoral degrees. This became
models of modern university. Some
universities set up during the Medieval Times
are still famous today, such as the University
of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in
Britain.
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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

C. Making of Christendom and the Church in the Medieval Times

Christianity was founded by Jesus Christ in the 1st century AD in Palestine of West Asia. According to the
Bible, he went to preach in Jerusalem at the age of 30. He stated that those who believed in God would
be saved. Many people in Jerusalem become followers of Jesus. They called him ‘Christ’, meaning ‘the
Messiah’.

The teachings of Jesus angered the local leaders like priests. They made false charges about Jesus to the
Roman governor. Finally, Jesus was arrested and crucified at the age of 33. According to the Bible, Jesus
came back to life three days later and rose to Heaven.

i) Spread and development of Christianity

After Christianity was founded, it was spread across the Roman Empire with the preaching of St.
Peter and St. Paul, the disciples of Jesus. As the Christians only worshipped God and refused to
worship the Roman Emperors and Roman gods, they were persecuted cruelly. Christians could only
perform religious ceremonies in secret.

During the rule of Roman Emperor Constantine I (reigned AD 306-337), Christianity became legal in
AD 313. In AD 380, Christianity was even made the official religions of the Roman Empire and
replaced other existing religions.

In the rule of Charlemagne of the Kingdom of the Franks (reigned AD 768-814), he forced the
conquered people to convert to Christianity and also gave money to
different places for building churched and copying the Bible. Hence
Christianity played an important role in medieval Europe.

However, Christianity was divided in the 11th century. The Church

was divided into the Roman Catholic Church in Western and
Central Europe, and the Eastern Orthodox Church in Greece,
Russia and Eastern Europe. This incident was known as the Great
Schism. In early 16th century, the Reformation led to the split of the
Protestant Church from the Catholic Church.

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

ii) Roles of the Church in medieval Europe

In addition to the feudal society, another characteristic of medieval Europe was that the Church has
great influence over political, social, educational and cultural affairs. Therefore, medieval Europe
was also called Christendom or the ‘Age of Faith’.

 Political aspect

Kings had to be crowned by the Pope in order to gain support of Christians. The Pope and
bishops acted as advisors to the king. The Pope used his power to settle disputes and mediate
wars. This helped maintained political stability in Europe.

A painting showing the Pope crowning

Charlemagne

The Christian Church adopted the canon law. It also set up courts in different places. In addition,
it carried out movements to stop nobles from exploiting commoners. All these helped maintain
law and order

 Social aspect

The Church provide many social services such as setting up orphanage, elderly homes and
hospital. Their work helped stabilise the society.

 Educational aspect

In Medieval Europe, most schools were set up by the Church. The clergy taught students Latin
and religion-related knowledge.

 Cultural aspect

Medieval monks copied ancient texts and classics in monasteries. This preserved classical
civilisation for Europeans to study. In late Medieval Times, Europeans developed modern
European civilisation based on classical civilisation.

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

Self-checking:
1. What are the features of an ancient civilised society?
2. What are the four great civilisations of the ancient world?
3. European history can be divided into which four periods?
4. Give two examples of city-states and explain their similarities and differences.
5. What are democracy, oligarchy, republican system and imperial system?
6. What has the ancient Greek and ancient Roman civilisation left to us today in the following
areas?
a. form of governance,
b. law,
c. culture, and
d. science
7. What are the characteristics of feudal society?
8. How has the medieval European civilisation left to us today?
9. What functions did Christianity and the Church perform in medieval Europe?

Vocabulary list
Part 1: When and how European classical civilisation emerged
1. Fertile Crescent civilisation 9. oligarchy
2. Nile Valley civilisation 10. Roman Republic
3. Indus Valley civilisation 11. consul
4. Huanghe Valley civilisation 12. the Senate
5. Greco-Roman civilisation 13. the Assembly
6. Medieval Times 14. military dictator
7. city-state 15. Julius Caesar
8. democracy 16. Augustus

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 Form Two Integrated Humanities – The development of European civilisation

Vocabulary list
Part 2: The legacy and significance of classical civilisation
1. Council of Elders 9. Plato
2. noble 10. Aristotle
3. secret ballot 11. relief sculpture
4. imperial system 12. mosaic
5. jury system 13. arch
6. juror 14. dome
7. philosophy 15. Latin
8. Socrates 16. Hippocratic Oath

Vocabulary list
Part 3: Medieval Europe and the making of Christendom
1. feudal system 9. manor
2. overlords 10. chivalry
3. vassals 11. Magna Carta
4. hierarchy 12. bourgeoisie
5. knights 13. Messiah
6. peasants 14. Roman Catholic Church
7. contractual relationship 15. Eastern Orthodox Church
8. hereditary 16. the Great Schism
9. heir 17. Protestant Church
10. self-sufficient 18. Christendom

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