Medieval Literature

Historical Background

Fall of Roman Empire (appr. 400 AD) – 1500 AD

Two important historical events Literature before 900 Literature flourished

Background Information

Historians date MA to 400 AD -1500 AD(approximations)

Three justifications

Moors

Explorers

Feudal System

768 AD King of Franks 800 AD 1st Holy Roman Emperor

IlliterateOften went barefoot

Impact of his reign

Charlemagne

Changes in Literature

Vernacular

Ornate book covers

Ivory book cover 9th-10th century

Book of Durrow

Illuminated Texts

Book of Durrow

Book of Kells

Book of Kells

Book of Kells

Lindisfarne Gospels

Lindisfarne Gospels

Lindisfarne Gospels

Epic Deeds, Oral Literature & Courtly Love

Beowulf

Epic Deeds, Oral Literature & Courtly Love

Volsunga Saga

Nibelungenlied

Song of Roland

Perceval - Chretien de Troyes

The Devine Comedy- Dante Alighieri

More facts about The Devine Comedy…

The Canterbury Tales - Geoffrey Chaucer

Additional miscellaneous facts about Middle Ages literature…