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Chapels
& Churches: In medieval times, religion
controlled daily life. By 1350 CE, there was one church or chapel for
every 200 people, with more churches being built all the time. All the
important events of life took place in the medieval church - baptism,
confirmation, marriage, and burial.
Cathedrals:
Cathedrals were fancy churches. It cost a fortune and several decades to
build a cathedral. Cathedrals were splendid, with no expense spared.
They were built to honor God. In France alone, between 1050 CE and 1350
CE, over 500 cathedrals and 1000 parish churches were built.
Most cathedrals were built in the shape of a cross.
They had high arches and tall ceilings. Some ceilings were 100 feet
high. Underneath the cathedral, workers usually built a crypt, which was
a combination storage area for the town, and graveyard for the clergy.
Only the most talented craftsman were allowed to
work on a cathedral. Some spent their whole lives building one church.
Workers were paid with food and housing. Some also received a little
money to spend at tradesmen shops in town. The talented peasants who
worked on cathedrals lived a much better life than did their fellow
peasants on the farms.
Interior
Decoration: Nearly all art in medieval times was
created for religious purposes. Much of that art was showcased in the
larger churches and cathedrals. But it was hard to see it. It was very
dark inside. Even when the candles were lit, it was hard to see the many
beautiful statues and religious tapestries.
Explore
Stained
Glass Windows
Holy
Relics
Paint
a Cathedral Game
Build
a Cathedral Arch Game (bbc)
Gothic
Cathedrals (thinkquest)
Medieval
Mythical Beasts - Gargoyles
Objects in a
church
Which
cathedral collapsed? Cathedrals
(powerpoints)
Cathedrals
of Britain
Free
Powerpoints about the Middle Ages
Free
Online Games for the Middle Ages
Free
Middle Ages Clipart for Kids & Teachers
Free
Clip Art
Middle
Ages for Teachers
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