2.  The Catholic Church continues to grow,
undergoes reform, introduces new
architecture and launches the Crusades
against Muslims.

3.  Christianity continues to grow and
the Church expands its power.
 During this time, some church
officials start to marry, though the
Church forbids it.
 Some church officials even start to
sell religious positions!
 Kings got in on the act by appointing
their own bishops and other officers.
This was known as lay investiture
and was very controversial. A medieval king
 Because of all these, many reforms investing a bishop
come about to forbid such actions.

4.  Why do you think lay investiture was
controversial?
 What type of problems do you see with lay
investiture?
 Can you think of modern day examples or
similar scenarios?

5.  Popes organize the
Christian faith much like a
kingdom - Christendom
 The Pope’s advisors make
church laws – canon law –
and travel throughout
Europe.
 The Church even starts to
collect taxes (tithes) from
all believers.
 These taxes went to care for
the sick and help the poor.

6.  Also during this time, new
church groups arose such as the
Franciscan and Dominican
orders.
 Much like monks, men known as
Friars vowed poverty and
devoted their lives to travel and
spreading the message of God.
 Many were very well educated
and became scholars.
 Women also joined the spiritual
revival by joining convents and
becoming nuns.

8.  This new age was shown in another way, as
many towns in Europe built magnificent
cathedrals.
 In the early 1100s, these huge churches used
a new style of architecture called Gothic.
 This style of architecture is perhaps one of
the greatest achievements during the Middle
Ages.
 These buildings were tall, reaching toward
heaven. They had walls covered with large
windows of colorful stained glass, which let
in beautiful light.
 They featured pointed archways and many
sculptures.

10.  Gargoyles were usually
carved sculptures on a
Gothic cathedral.
 Some had the specific
function to direct rainwater
off the building while others
were grotesque creatures
with the purpose of warding
off evil spirits.