The Middle Ages, also known as the medieval period, in the history of Europe, lasted from the 5th to the 15th century. The medieval period was separated into three parts; Early, High, and Late Middle Ages. This time brought about people like Charlemagne, different styles of architecture like Romanesque and Gothic architecture, Influences of Christianity on art, literature, music, and visual arts; and new developments during the Late Middle ages that lead to the renaissance. Charlemagne was a medieval emperor who ruled much of Western Europe during 768 to 814. Charlemagne is also known as “the father of Europe” to some and Charles the great to others. “In 771, Charlemagne became king of the Franks, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and western Germany. His mission was to unite all Germanic peoples into one kingdom and convert his subjects to …show more content…
Then in 800, Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III. During this time, he encouraged the Carolingian Renaissance. Fourteen years later in 814, Charlemagne died, but his empire encompassed much of Western Europe, and his reign ensured the survival of Christianity in the West (History.com Staff, 2009). Christianity had quite an impact on the visual arts, literature, and music of the Middle Ages, especially in churches and cathedrals. Romanesque architecture was developed in the early Middle Ages. The style originated from France and spread to Christian Spain, England, Germany, and other places becoming first medieval style found throughout Europe. With the start of the Romanesque period, there was a substantial increase in church-building, cathedrals and churches were much larger. Romanesque architecture was also known for its thick walls and massive structures that had vaulted roofs, round-headed windows, and arches ("Medieval Art," n.d.). Most Romanesque churches were covered in wall art that matched scenes from the Old Testament. The Abbey Church of Saint-Savin-Sur-Gartempe is a perfect