Art & Society in FranceUNIT TWO – ROMAN GAUL AND THE MIDDLE AGES

The Empire After Caesar

Only ten years after Caesar’s conquest of Gaul, he was assassinated and Augustus took over further expanding the empire.

Over the next few centuries the empire would suffer from multiple attacks weakening its hold on the Mediterranean.

Lastly, the Roman Empire was the birthplace of Christianity. At first it was outlawed, but by the reign of Constantine it had taken

over the empire and was spreading to western Europe.

Roman Occupation and Influence Roman theaters such as

the Grand roman theatre of Lyon, were constructed for the visual arts.

Roman architecture is regarded as one of the most advanced of its time. (pont du gard)

Gallic and Other Tribes Take Over Gaul

The Gauls migrated south around the 5th

century. In 476 the Visigoths

took over the last bit of ”Roman Gaul.”

The Frankish Merovingians began their dynasty in Northern France in the 6th century.

French Kings and Dynasties

Beginning in the 6th century, these dynasties would rule Gaul into the 12th century.

The Merovingian and Carolingian Dynasties were the start of French “monarchies.”

Merovingian & Carolingian art

Christian art was very Iconic with its feature of famous figures of Christianity.

Gold work was also very popular. With ”animal-like” craftsmanship.

Medieval Life

The threat of battle was constant.

Therefore many ”cities” like this one in Carcassonne had fortified exteriors to protect itself from outside tribes. They were also built on hilltops to provide better visibility.

Honor was achieved in society through conquests of war and land.

The feudal system began to arise, creating a greater separation between the poor and the nobility.

Christianity was the dominant religion. Even kings and nobles made efforts to please the church.