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The Society that Built Chartres Cathedral |
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| Medieval Society arose from the dust of the Western Roman empire in 476 C.E. The amount
of members of the Christian Church increased greatly during this time. Because Christian Clergy were essentially
the only people who read, wrote and undertook scholarly endeavors, the church had an even greater influence in
the arts, as well as in people's daily lives. Life for most people was short, and revolved around Christian ceremonies. By 1054, the Church had split into two opposing factions, the Roman Catholic Church in Western Europe and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the Byzantine empire. Crusades brought renewed contact between the two groups and with it the flow of new ideas and wealth from increased trade. Money also came from the production of wheat and wine. Through the levying of heavy taxes, Bishops channeled this new wealth into massive building programs, making huge Gothic cathedrals possible. Architects, artists, stonemasons, sculptors, carpenters, craft workers and merchants all benefited from the work they found on these projects. Towns centered around religious life gained importance. Towns fostered civic life and a strong communal identity, reinforced by public projects. |
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