Medieval Universities
Later, rulers found universities useful for producing all kinds of useful knowledge
Humanism: the idea that thinking people could advance society's goals by making their own conclusions based on evidence, instead of faith or dogma.
Famous Humanist: Peter Abelard
The rediscovery of Aristotle in the 1200s prompted all kinds of studies into natural science
The first universities began by teaching the Justinian Code, around the year 1088. Kings and city governments often found that the laws in the Justinian Code were a powerful way to justify their independence from Empires or from the Church.
"learning for the middle aged"
The University's Life
Some were formed by Kings
Later Universities were formed in other settings, and by establishments other than the Church. They toook on a "guild structure", meaning they were exclusive, corporate institutions
Charles University, Prague,
Others were formed by City governments
University of Cologne, France
Gothic Cathedrals
What is a "Gothic Cathedral" ?
Gothic is a style of architecture. It's key features are:
- Pointed Arch
- Ribbed Vault
- Flying Buttress
Pointed Arch
Gothic or not?
More Pointed Arches!
Ribbed Vault
Flying buttress
More ribbed vaults!
More flying buttresses!
Cathedral Universities
the first universities were held in cathedrals,
where the teachers were monks and nuns.
Imagine going to school in a place like this...