The Power of Medieval European Guilds
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(5 pp.) After the fall of the Roman Empire, Europe retained a sense of chaotic movement. The old structure of government and power had crumbled away, and no singular system was yet organized enough to replace it. A beginning of that re-organization began around the learning of the skills and the crafts of a trade; the structure was called the guild. Bibliography lists 4 sources. BBmdigld.doc
Filename: BBmdigld

The Reason for Occultism in Medieval Society
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This 6 page paper provides support for the thesis that the lack of scientific knowledge, exacerbated by an exploitative government, was responsible for the beliefs of the people. Quotes from Dante's Inferno provides much support for the thesis. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: SA030Occ.wps

The Rise Of Catholicism: 900 – 1420
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A 5 page paper. When Charlemagne died in 814, he left an empire that had no legal or administrative structure. What little stability existing during his time was shattered with the invasion of the Vikings. The Christian Crusades began shortly, a noble goal that soon turned to a crusade for wealth rather than its original purpose. This essay explains how the Church and the papacy gained such incredible power and wealth during this era, including the Inquisition and the eventual conflict between state and church. Information is based on Fiero's work. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: PGcathrs.rtf

The Romans and Visigoths in Ancient Spain
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This 6 page report discusses the Spain of the Romans and then the Visigoths. The Romans conquered Spain in the last years of the third century B.C. Historical accounts have shown that they took every advantage of the military and economic opportunities offered by Spain at the expense of Spain’s indigenous societies. When the Germanic peoples invaded the provinces of the Roman Empire, the hordes, urged forward by the pressure of the Huns in their rear, hurled themselves for the first time upon the Pyrenean Peninsula. The Visigothic Kingdom lasted for two centuries in Spain. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: BWrovisp.wps

The Transition From Early To High Middle Ages
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A 3 page essay on a few of the points marking the transition from the early (or mid-) to the High Middle Ages. Briefly discussed are the influences of rural to urban life and the ensuing governmental changes, the rise of cultural and educational pursuits, and the new influence of the church. One cited reference.
Filename: Rise.wps

The Two Lives of Charlemagne
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A 5 page paper that describes some moments in a day in the life of Charlemagne, King of the Franks. The paper uses the text by Einhard to reference material for the a prose piece created from the perspective of a cautious friend of the King.
Filename: Charle.wps

Themes of the Renaissance
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(5 pp) The Renaissance (French for "Rebirth) is known as the period of the individual (1400-1650); in that man was no longer a "cog in the machine" enduring life, but rather, he viewed himself as a unique person, who could shape the world, as in fact shaped him, with the new knowledge that was now accessible to him. One of the things, which came with this awareness was place of function in society. This discussion will examine the roles of Prince, Warrior, Dissenter, Merchant, Artist, and Scientist.
Filename: BBrenlvs.doc

Theodora and Justinian: Partners in Ruling the Byzantine Empire
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This 5 page report discusses one of the ancient world’s most renowned leaders, the Byzantine emperor, Justinian (483-565). Historians have often referred to him in some variation on the theme of “the last of the great Roman emperors.” His wife, the Empress Theodora, became known for her ravishing beauty as well as her ruthless manner and haughty disposition despite her early years as an actress and “dancing girl.” Theodora and Justinian personify what has come to be known as something of an archetype regarding the way the ancient and near ancient kingdoms and empires were once ruled. The person gaining the throne through birth, usually a male, was balanced and complemented by his (or her) partner in terms of actually ruling. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: BWjstheo.wps

Vampires: Myth Verses Legend
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A 6 page discussion of vampires of legend and the threats which those vampires may present even today. Some contend they are simply folklore while other contend that they wander the earth even today as estranged souls, separated from the living by their own immortality. Fiction, fantasy, cultism, or reality? The author of this paper leaves that decision for you to make. Suggested for consideration, however, is the premise that the threat of vampires may have little to do with losing our souls to the living dead, that perhaps it has more to do with allowing the circumstances of the time to control our thoughts and our emotions. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: PPvampir.rtf

Western Roman Empire And The Germanic Invasion: Feudalism
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10 pages in length. The writer discusses the effects of Germanic invasion and feudalism in relation to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: TLCfeud.wps

Witch Hysteria of the Middle Ages
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A 15 page overview of the manner in which witchcraft was perceived and persecuted in the Middle Ages. Notes that thousands, if not millions of innocent people were executed as a manifestation of the Church’s desire to suppress any activity which it deemed heresy. Emphasizes that the Church’s view on witchcraft evolved from one which viewed it as an illusion to one which viewed it as a real and direct threat to Church doctrine. This evolution resulted, to a large degree, in response to societal stresses such as the plague known as Black Death. Bibliography lists 20 references.
Filename: PPwtchEu.wps

Witchcraft and Magic in Europe During the Middle Ages
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This well written 16 page paper, including 1 page synopsis, considers how historians of Europe can look at criminal justice or inquisitorial records in order to investigate what beliefs in witchcraft and magic existed during in the Middle Ages. The paper examines what these records show what the beliefs were along with how and why they may have developed. The paper includes geographical differences in the manifestation of the beliefs between mainland Europe and England, the motivations of accusers and how the stereotypes where able to gain afoot hold that would later developing into what is known as “the burning times”. The bibliography cites 15 sources.
Filename: TEwitchM.rtf