3 Most Important Aspects of High Middle

         The period of time from the middle of the eleventh century to the end of the thirteenth in European history is referred to as the High Middle Ages. The High Middle Ages depicts a period of growth, peace, and cultural development. In this synopsis of the period, the three most important features in laying the foundations for early modern Europe will be discussed.  

Religion 

                The significance of religion in the High Middle Ages is unparalleled. The start of the 11^th century marked the start of a noteworthy revival of Christianity in Europe. Religious reforms were founded and broad sweeps were initiated throughout Europe. After a century of corruption within the papacy, popes worked diligently to codify church law and maintain order amongst religious leaders. This was exemplified through leading figures during the early 11^th century, German emperor Henry III and Pope Gregory VII, who both promoted the ideals of reform. With an orderly church, religion became a steadfast promoter of the peace and content that highlights the High Middle Ages.  

                Church officials worked hard to prevent petty crimes, violence, and unnecessary warfare, which proved to be the most influential indicator of a flaw in order. Councils formed peace associations and bishops published decrees in promotion of peace, which was thought to lead to stability. It is believed these attempts had success in reducing violence demonstrated the importance of religion in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for citizens in the High Middle Ages.  

                In addition to demonstrating effort in promoting an ameliorated lifestyle directly amongst citizens, religion also became a leader in society. This is vital because it clearly sets a firm foundation for the church’s place in early modern Europe. The Crusades are a prime example of the papal claims to leadership. The Crusades in the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries were holy wars promoted by the papacy for recovering the Holy Lands from those of Muslim faith. This clash originated from the historically contentious attitudes between Christians and Muslims. The response to the papal calls for the holy wars was enormous and colossally popular. This unforeseen support epitomizes the importance of the reformed papacy. The Crusades demonstrate the leadership and power of the church and religion and also its influence in society.  

Economic Wealth 

                Wealth and monetary value was an important feature of the High Middle Ages. To acquire wealth was a vital aspect in all social classes during the High Middle Ages. This is exemplified by new towns springing up across Europe. The rise of towns demonstrated the development of a new commercial class serving the economic needs of the area. This is important because it lays the foundation of the business class for early modern Europe, breaking the old habit of three social classes, peasantry, nobility, and papacy. This marked the beginning of merchants and new markets, built around the dependence for economic sustenance. In essence, the entire town was a marketplace, the site where a product was made and sold. Merchants would sleep on the second floor of their homes while displaying products for sale on the first floor.  

                Another example demonstrating the importance of economic value in the High Middle Ages was the consistency of taxes. In order to enter town gates each morning, visitors were required to pay customary taxes. Furthermore, the Kings and lords were initially reluctant to grant these towns the privilege of self-government. Most were afraid of loss of authority if merchants were given full independence. However, lords discovered towns attracted more people to each area. These people were accustomed to the same taxes as all the rest of the lord’s subjects in a town, thus increasing sizable amounts of monetary income for feudal lords. This type of desire for economic prosperity was significant in the High Middle Ages.  

Artistic Elements  

                Medieval art has long been praised by art historians for its beautiful and unparalleled creative nature. Art in the High Middle Ages also ties back strongly to the other two most important features of the High Middle Ages, economic wealth and religion. This is due to the fact the art types which were demonstrated most in the High Middle Ages were through architecture as medieval churches. The numerous churches were built to demonstrate a large faith for religion but also to evoke a sense of economic wealth. The main example of artistic influence in the High Middle Ages is the cathedrals that represented colossal investments of time, money, and corporate effort. The High Middle Ages have been classified according to its reputation for “creativity and vitality”, being most directly expressed in artistic elements all around Europe.  

                Artistic elements also apply to the High Middle Ages outside of the literal context of the term. Art was demonstrated through the creativity applied to the framework of everyday life. The most prominent example is the rise of higher education in the form of medieval universities which provided more sophisticated learning than monastery and cathedral schools. The first universities emerged in the thirteenth century and were a form of instruction that was not seen prior to the artistic creativity of the High Middle Ages. Universities served as an expression of the tremendous vitality that is accustomed to in the High Middle Ages. The organization, teaching style, and intellectual goals lay a vital foundation for early modern Europe that is still felt across the Western world today.