Running head: RESEARCH EXERCISE II

Research Exercise II
Gustavo Prez
HUM/100 Introduction to Humanities: The Ancient World to Medieval Times
April 18, 2016
Hayden Roberts

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Research Exercise II

Holy Roman Empire

With the death of Charlemagne, the Carolingian Empire splintered into smaller kingdoms, which
have remained linked by Christianity. In the eleventh century the alliance between the Roman
Catholic Church and the monarchy Germanic made possible the union of kingdoms, duchies and
counties in Central Europe, which were formed in a single political unit and formed the Holy

RESEARCH EXERCISE II

Roman Empire. The epithet of sacred to name the rule, indicating that the emperor was vested
with legitimate powers granted by the Roman Catholic Church.
The Roman-Germanic kingdoms that formed, have some characteristics of Roman
society and other characteristics of the Germanic peoples, forming a new society. Let's see its
main features.
The new societies that are putting in place as a result of the fusion of both cultures were
governed by German leaders. The prevailing system was the monarchy, elective at first and then
hereditary. Following the traditions of the Germanic tribes, they had a leading role dependency
relationships and personal fidelity between different members of society.
The Germanic peoples imposed by their governments their own laws, although they
respected the way of life of the Roman people. Several cultural elements were preserved. One of
them was the currency of the Romans. Another, Latin language became the official language of
the new realms. Then the Latin was mixed with the Germanic dialects.
Religion was also a very strong permanence of the Roman world survived his fall. Much
conquerors converted to Christianity. As a result, the Church gained more power. Monks, bishops
and abbots became directors of the German kings.
In the field of economy, agriculture remained the most important activity. Production is
concentrated on large estates in which the cultivation was carried out by settlers and some slaves.
Between the eleventh and twelfth centuries European culture was an expression of
religious faith and the eternal green. Vine intellectual society, society, science, art, and all
thought was influenced by the doctrines of the Church and the thought of the emperors.
In the Holy Roman Empire numerous churches, monasteries and convents were built in
Romanesque style. These magnificent architectural works such as St. Michael's Church,

RESEARCH EXERCISE II

Hildesheim and Mainz Cathedral in Germany, were made to glorify God and to give important
cities.
The painting of this period represents religious subjects in scenes such as the Last
Judgement, the Passion of Christ and the Apocalypse, which show figures of prophets, apostles,
blessed, angels, pious monks, Christ ascending to heaven, among other reasons.

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References

Barja, A. (2016). Sobre historia. Retrieved from http://sobrehistoria.com/reinos-romanogermanicos-surge-una-nueva-sociedad/

Timemaps. (2016). Holy Roman Empire. Retrieved from
http://www.timemaps.com/store/timemaps/2012/4/germany1215ad.jpg