Christian History: From Theology to Vatican
Theology: A Rational Reflection on God
Theology is a rational reflection on God and the experience of being Christian.
The Anchorite and the Monasteries
- Anchorite: Vivian practiced an austere lifestyle, leaving behind tangible possessions and seeking peace. They lived in solitude, focusing on prayer and guidance from a teacher, with occasional communal prayer.
- Monasteries: Monks also lived austerely, renouncing material goods and seeking peace. However, they lived in communities outside of cities.
Early Christian Art
When the Christian religion became official, Christians were free to celebrate in public spaces.
Basilica
A Roman building with a rectangular floor plan and three aisles separated by rows of columns.
- Narthex: Waiting area for newcomers (those in preparation).
- Transept: Transverse aisle in large basilicas.
Autobiography
The life of a person written by themselves, derived from *auto* (self), *bios* (life), and *graphy* (writing).
Gothic Art
Originating in the North of France, in a fully urban environment where universities and the bourgeoisie emerged. Key features, driven by Abbot Suger’s architectural solutions, include:
- Cathedrals supported by buttresses and flying buttresses.
- High ceilings.
- Domed shapes.
- Stained glass windows with a multitude of colors.
- Greater realism.
Gregory I and Gregorian Chant
Gregory I collected the hymns performed in the catacombs of Rome, now known as Gregorian chant. Characteristics:
- No instrumentation.
- Sung in Latin.
- Anonymous compositions.
- Free rhythm.
- Monophonic (only one note sung at a time).
- Intended to approach God.
- Used in the Liturgy of the Hours.
The Iron Age
From the late 9th century to the middle of the 11th century, instability and lack of authority led to feudalism, where lords administered lands and wealth for their own benefit. The East-West Schism, the separation of the Eastern and Western churches, occurred during this time. The Franks were the population of the Roman Empire when it collapsed.
The Avignon Papacy
Pope Clement V preferred to have his coronation on his land instead of Rome and moved to Avignon. The cardinals elected Pope Urban VI, but the French chose Clement VII. Later, both groups met and elected Alexander V, resulting in three popes at the same time. The Council of Constance later deposed all three and elected Pope Martin V as the sole pope.
The Tetramorph
Jesus is often depicted surrounded by the figures of an eagle, a bull, a lion, and a man. These represent the four Evangelists:
- John: Winged man-headed eagle carrying a book.
- Luke: Winged man-headed lion.
- Mark: Bull-headed man.
- Matthew: Winged man.
Liturgical Calendar
- Periods devoted to the veneration of life events of Jesus and the saints.
- From chapels to cathedrals, churches, and shrines by the side of holy places.
- Rules linked to the religious calendar.
- Examples: Christmas, Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, and Cribs.
The Crusades
Crusaders sought to conquer Jerusalem, believing it was God’s will (“God wills it!”).
The Vatican and the Lateran Pacts
Mussolini and Pius XI signed the Lateran Pacts, establishing the Vatican City State.
Romanesque Art and Culture
Features of the Romanesque period:
- Roman Christianity.
- Romance languages with identical Latin roots.
- Revival of culture and commerce.
- Increasing population.
- Emblematic buildings.
- Romanesque art characteristics:
- The Camino de Santiago.
- Increased light.
- Porches.
- Small, hieratic figures.
- Murals.