middle ages essay topics

Medieval History Research Paper Topics

In this page dedicated to medieval history research paper topics , students are presented with a wide-ranging list of captivating subjects that delve into the intricacies of the medieval era. Divided into ten categories, each containing ten unique topics, this comprehensive collection explores various aspects of political, cultural, religious, and military life during this fascinating period. From analyzing influential events to examining societal transformations, these research paper topics provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of medieval history and develop engaging academic papers.

100 Medieval History Research Paper Topics

The study of medieval history opens a doorway to a captivating era filled with knights, castles, and profound societal changes. Exploring the medieval period through research papers allows students to dive deep into various aspects of this time, uncovering fascinating stories and shedding light on significant historical events. In this comprehensive list, we present ten captivating research paper topics in each of the ten categories, offering students a plethora of options to explore and delve into the rich tapestry of medieval history.

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Political History

• The Role of Monarchy in Medieval Europe: Power, Succession, and Dynasties
• Feudalism and Its Influence on Medieval Society
• The Magna Carta and the Evolution of Constitutionalism
• The Crusades: A Political and Religious Endeavor
• The Hundred Years’ War: Causes, Key Battles, and Consequences
• The Byzantine Empire: Politics and Influence on Medieval Europe
• Papal Power and the Medieval Church-State Relationship
• The Black Death and Its Political Impact
• The Norman Conquest of England: William the Conqueror and Its Aftermath
• The Golden Age of Charlemagne: The Carolingian Empire and Its Legacy

Cultural History

• Chivalry and Knighthood: Codes of Conduct and Idealized Behavior
• The Role of Women in Medieval Society: From Noble Ladies to Peasant Women
• Medieval Art and Architecture: Cathedrals, Illuminated Manuscripts, and Iconography
• Courtly Love: Romance and Relationships in Medieval Literature
• Education and Intellectual Life in Medieval Monasteries
• Folklore and Legends: Robin Hood, King Arthur, and the Arthurian Legends
• Music and Dance in Medieval Society: Troubadours and Minstrels
• Medieval Festivals and Celebrations: Feast Days, Carnivals, and Jousting Tournaments
• The Influence of Islamic Culture on Medieval Europe
• The Role of Guilds in Medieval Trade and Craftsmanship

Religious History

• The Crusades: Motivations, Impact, and Legacy
• Heresy and Inquisition: Religious Dissent and Its Suppression
• The Great Schism: East-West Division in the Christian Church
• Pilgrimage in Medieval Europe: Meaning, Routes, and Shrines
• Saints and Relics: Veneration and the Cult of the Holy
• Monasticism and Monastic Orders: Benedictines, Franciscans, and Dominicans
• The Mendicant Movement: Poverty, Preaching, and Social Engagement
• The Medieval Inquisition: Origins, Methods, and Consequences
• The Witch Hunts of the Medieval Period: Beliefs and Persecution
• The Impact of the Printing Press on Religious Change in the Late Medieval Era

Military History

• The Battle of Hastings: William the Conqueror’s Triumph
• Knights and Armor: Technology and Tactics in Medieval Warfare
• The Siege of Constantinople: The Fall of the Byzantine Empire
• The Teutonic Knights and the Northern Crusades
• The Reconquista: Christian Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula
• The Battle of Agincourt: Henry V’s Victory against the French
• The Mongol Invasions: Genghis Khan and the Conquest of Asia
• The Wars of the Roses: Noble Rivalry for the English Throne
• The Spanish Inquisition: Religion and Warfare
• The Battle of Tours: Charles Martel and the Defense against the Moors

Economic History

• The Hanseatic League: Trade and Economic Power in Medieval Northern Europe
• The Rise of Italian City-States: Florence, Venice, and Genoa
• The Silk Road: Trade and Cultural Exchange between East and West
• The Medieval Merchant Guilds: Economic Influence and Regulation
• The Black Death and its Economic Impact on European Society
• The Agricultural Revolution: Technological Advances in Medieval Farming
• The Commercial Revolution: Growth of Urban Centers and Market Economy
• Medieval Coinage and Currency: Monetary Systems and Economic Stability
• The Role of Fairs and Trade Routes in Medieval Commerce
• The Rise of Banking and Financial Institutions in Medieval Europe

Intellectual History

• Scholasticism and the Rise of Medieval Universities
• The Influence of Aristotle on Medieval Thought
• The Works of Thomas Aquinas: Theology and Philosophy
• The Development of Vernacular Literature in Medieval Europe
• The Influence of Arabic and Islamic Scholarship on Western Intellectual Tradition
• Mysticism and Spiritual Movements in Medieval Christianity
• Humanism and the Renaissance in Medieval Italy
• The Role of Medieval Monastic Libraries in Preserving Knowledge
• Astrology and Alchemy: Esoteric Knowledge in Medieval Society
• Medieval Science and the Pursuit of Natural Philosophy

Social History

• Feudal Society: Hierarchy, Classes, and Social Mobility
• Women’s Role in Medieval Society: Power, Influence, and Restrictions
• Peasant Life: Agriculture, Serfdom, and Rural Communities
• Medieval Crime and Punishment: Justice, Law, and Order
• The Black Death: Social Disruption and Demographic Changes
• Marriage and Family Life in the Middle Ages
• Slavery and Servitude in Medieval Europe
• Medieval Medicine: Healing Practices, Medical Knowledge, and Remedies
• The Role of Medieval Guilds in Urban Life
• The Impact of the Crusades on Social Structures and Cultural Exchange

Art and Architecture

• Gothic Architecture: Cathedrals, Flying Buttresses, and Stained Glass
• Romanesque Architecture: Churches, Monasteries, and Fortifications
• Illuminated Manuscripts: Book Production and Miniature Art
• Medieval Sculpture and Woodcarving: From Reliefs to Free-Standing Statues
• Mosaic Art: Byzantine Influence and Iconographic Representation
• The Bayeux Tapestry: A Visual Chronicle of the Norman Conquest
• Metalwork and Jewelry: Craftsmanship and Decorative Arts
• Medieval Painting: From Icons to Altarpieces
• Castle Architecture and Military Engineering
• The Art of Heraldry: Coats of Arms and Symbolism

Scientific and Technological Advances

• Medieval Astronomy and Astrology: Understanding the Universe
• The Development of the Compass and Its Impact on Navigation
• The Invention of the Mechanical Clock and Timekeeping
• Advances in Agriculture: Crop Rotation and Improved Farming Techniques
• Medieval Engineering: Bridges, Aqueducts, and Cathedrals
• The Use of Gunpowder in Medieval Warfare
• The Printing Press: Gutenberg’s Revolutionary Invention
• Medieval Alchemy: From Transmutation to Experimental Science
• The Impact of Islamic Scientific Knowledge on Medieval Europe
• The Evolution of Medieval Medicine: From Herbal Remedies to Surgical Techniques

Regional Studies

• The Kingdom of England: Political, Social, and Cultural Transformations
• The Byzantine Empire: Politics, Religion, and Artistic Legacy
• The Kingdom of France: Monarchy, Conflict, and Cultural Flourishing
• The Holy Roman Empire: Structure, Dissolution, and Legacy
• The Iberian Peninsula: Reconquista, Kingdoms, and Cultural Exchange
• The Italian City-States: Artistic Renaissance and Political Dynamics
• The Kingdom of Scotland: Independence, Wars, and Cultural Identity
• The Nordic Countries: Viking Age, Norse Mythology, and Scandinavian Influence
• The Crusader States: Kingdoms in the Levant and Interactions with the Muslim World
• The Papal States: Power, Influence, and Religious Authority

This comprehensive list of medieval history research paper topics covers various aspects of political, cultural, religious, military, economic, intellectual, social, artistic, scientific, and regional history. Students are presented with a wide range of intriguing subjects to choose from, allowing them to explore and analyze different facets of the medieval era. Whether delving into the intricacies of political power, examining the influence of chivalry and knighthood, or unraveling the mysteries of medieval art and architecture, these topics offer a wealth of opportunities for engaging and enlightening research papers.

Medieval History: Exploring the Time of Knights, Castles, and Crusades

The medieval period, spanning roughly from the 5th to the 15th century, holds a special place in history as a time of profound societal change, cultural transformation, and iconic imagery. It was an era marked by the rise and fall of empires, the flourishing of art and architecture, the clash of religions, and the advent of chivalry and knighthood. Understanding medieval history provides a fascinating glimpse into a world of castles and cathedrals, knights and peasants, and epic quests for power and glory.

One of the remarkable aspects of medieval history is the sheer diversity of topics it encompasses. From political intrigues and military campaigns to religious upheavals and economic transformations, there is a vast array of research paper topics that offer students the opportunity to delve into this captivating period. Exploring medieval history allows us to unravel the stories of kings and queens, explore the everyday lives of ordinary people, and examine the intellectual and cultural developments that shaped the course of history.

One of the key areas of interest in medieval history is political history. The medieval world was characterized by a complex web of political structures, including feudalism, monarchy, and the rise of city-states. Research papers in this area could delve into topics such as the power struggles between monarchs and nobles, the impact of the Magna Carta on the concept of constitutionalism, or the influence of the Crusades on European politics and diplomacy.

Cultural history is another fascinating aspect of the medieval period. From the awe-inspiring cathedrals of Gothic architecture to the illuminations of medieval manuscripts, the cultural achievements of this era continue to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike. Exploring topics such as the role of women in medieval society, the development of courtly love in literature, or the influence of Islamic culture on European art provides a deeper understanding of the rich cultural tapestry of the time.

Religion played a central role in medieval society, and the interplay between different religious beliefs and institutions shaped the course of history. Research papers on religious history could explore topics such as the impact of the Crusades on Christian-Muslim relations, the rise of heretical movements and the Inquisition, or the role of monasticism in preserving knowledge and scholarship.

Military history is another prominent area of study within medieval history. The image of knights in shining armor, jousting tournaments, and epic battles captures the imagination. Research papers could focus on topics such as the strategies and tactics employed during key battles, the influence of castles and fortifications on warfare, or the impact of the Mongol invasions on European military practices.

Economic history offers insight into the economic systems and developments of the medieval period. Research papers could delve into topics such as the growth of trade and commerce, the role of guilds in regulating and advancing specific industries, or the impact of the Black Death on the economic landscape.

Intellectual history in the medieval period witnessed the rise of scholasticism, the pursuit of knowledge, and the development of universities. Research papers could explore topics such as the influence of medieval philosophy on later intellectual movements, the role of monastic libraries in preserving and disseminating knowledge, or the emergence of vernacular literature and its impact on cultural identity.

The social history of the medieval period provides a lens through which to examine the lives of ordinary people. Research papers could focus on topics such as the role of women, the lives of peasants, or the impact of epidemics such as the Black Death on society and demographics.

Art and architecture flourished during the medieval period, leaving behind magnificent cathedrals, sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts. Research papers in this area could explore topics such as the architectural innovations of Gothic cathedrals, the symbolism in medieval art, or the techniques and materials used in manuscript illumination.

The scientific and technological advances of the medieval period also deserve attention. Research papers could delve into topics such as the developments in astronomy and astrology, the impact of the printing press on the dissemination of knowledge, or the contributions of medieval scholars to the fields of medicine and alchemy.

Finally, regional studies provide a unique perspective on the medieval period, showcasing the distinct characteristics and events of specific regions. Research papers could focus on topics such as the Norman Conquest of England, the Byzantine Empire, or the Kingdom of Scotland.

In conclusion, the medieval period offers a captivating journey into a world of knights, castles, and crusades. The wide range of research paper topics available allows students to explore different aspects of medieval history, shedding light on the political, cultural, religious, military, economic, intellectual, social, artistic, scientific, and regional dynamics of the time. By engaging with these topics, students can develop a deeper understanding of this transformative period in human history and appreciate its lasting impact on the world we live in today.

How to Choose Medieval History Research Paper Topics

Choosing a research paper topic in medieval history can be an exciting yet challenging task. With such a vast and diverse range of subjects to explore, it’s essential to narrow down your focus and select a topic that aligns with your interests and academic goals. Here are ten tips to help you choose a compelling and engaging medieval history research paper topic:

• Identify Your Interests : Start by reflecting on your personal interests within medieval history. Are you drawn to a specific time period, region, or theme? Consider the aspects that intrigue you the most and use them as a starting point for your topic selection.
• Conduct Preliminary Research : Begin your journey by conducting preliminary research on broad topics or themes in medieval history. Read books, scholarly articles, and reputable online resources to gain a general understanding of the subject matter and identify potential areas of further exploration.
• Consult Reference Works : Consult reference works such as encyclopedias, handbooks, and historiographies dedicated to medieval history. These resources can provide valuable insights, highlight key topics, and guide you towards specialized areas within the field.
• Engage with Recent Scholarship : Familiarize yourself with the latest research and scholarly debates in medieval history. Stay up-to-date with academic journals, conferences, and reputable websites to identify emerging topics and gaps in the existing scholarship that you can contribute to through your research.
• Consider Chronological and Geographic Factors : The medieval period spans over a thousand years and encompasses a wide range of regions. Narrow down your focus by selecting a specific time period or geographic area that interests you. For example, you could explore the High Middle Ages in Western Europe or the Islamic Golden Age in the Middle East.
• Explore Different Themes and Perspectives : Medieval history offers a rich tapestry of themes and perspectives to explore. Consider topics related to politics, religion, culture, art, society, economy, intellectual developments, or military conflicts. Think about how these themes intersect and influence each other.
• Examine Primary and Secondary Sources : Before finalizing your topic, evaluate the availability of primary and secondary sources. Assess the accessibility of relevant manuscripts, chronicles, letters, legal documents, archaeological artifacts, and other primary materials that can support your research.
• Consult with Your Advisor : Seek guidance from your academic advisor or professor. They can provide valuable insights, suggest potential topics based on their expertise, and help you refine your research question to ensure it aligns with the requirements of your assignment.
• Consider Comparative Studies : Explore the possibility of conducting comparative studies within medieval history. By comparing different regions, cultures, or time periods, you can analyze similarities, differences, and patterns that shed light on broader historical phenomena.
• Brainstorm and Refine : Take time to brainstorm ideas, create mind maps, or engage in discussions with peers and professors. Refine your topic by narrowing it down to a specific research question or thesis statement that is manageable within the scope of your research paper.

In conclusion, choosing a medieval history research paper topic requires careful consideration and exploration of your interests, available sources, and scholarly discourse. By following these ten tips, you can find a topic that ignites your passion, offers academic value, and allows you to make a unique contribution to the field of medieval history. Remember to select a topic that challenges you intellectually and aligns with the guidelines and objectives of your research paper assignment.

How to Write a Medieval History Research Paper

Writing a research paper on medieval history can be a rewarding and enlightening experience. It allows you to delve into the rich tapestry of the past, explore fascinating events and figures, and contribute to the scholarly understanding of the medieval period. To help you navigate the writing process, here are ten tips for crafting an engaging and well-researched medieval history research paper:

• Understand the Assignment : Familiarize yourself with the assignment guidelines, requirements, and expectations. Clarify any questions you have with your professor to ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria.
• Develop a Clear Thesis Statement : Formulate a clear and concise thesis statement that articulates the main argument or research question of your paper. Your thesis will provide a guiding framework for your research and analysis.
• Conduct In-Depth Research : Engage in thorough research to gather relevant and reliable sources. Explore primary sources such as manuscripts, chronicles, letters, and secondary sources such as books, articles, and scholarly journals. Evaluate the credibility and scholarly reputation of the sources you use.
• Organize Your Thoughts : Create an outline or a structured plan that outlines the main sections and subtopics of your research paper. This will help you maintain a logical flow of ideas and ensure that your arguments are well-organized.
• Analyze and Interpret Sources : When analyzing primary and secondary sources, critically evaluate their content, context, and bias. Look for patterns, themes, and arguments that emerge from your research and use them to support your thesis statement.
• Provide Historical Context : Situate your research within its historical context by providing background information on the time period, events, and individuals you are studying. Help your readers understand the significance of your topic in relation to the broader historical narrative.
• Incorporate Multiple Perspectives : Explore diverse perspectives and interpretations of the medieval period. Engage with different schools of thought, scholarly debates, and varying viewpoints to present a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of your topic.
• Use Proper Citation and Referencing : Ensure that you properly cite and reference all sources used in your research paper. Follow the citation style guidelines specified by your professor, whether it’s APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or another format.
• Craft Engaging and Coherent Writing : Write clearly and concisely, using academic language appropriate for your discipline. Develop well-structured paragraphs that flow logically from one idea to the next. Use transitions to connect different sections of your paper.
• Revise and Edit : Set aside time for thorough revision and editing of your research paper. Review your work for clarity, coherence, grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Ensure that your arguments are well-supported and that your paper adheres to the required formatting guidelines.

In conclusion, writing a medieval history research paper requires careful planning, extensive research, and effective communication of your findings. By following these ten tips, you can craft a well-written and compelling paper that demonstrates your knowledge of the subject matter and contributes to the field of medieval history. Remember to allow yourself enough time for research, writing, and revision, and seek feedback from professors or peers to enhance the quality of your work.

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• In-Depth Research : Our writers are skilled researchers who have access to a wide range of scholarly resources and databases. They will conduct thorough research to gather relevant and reliable sources for your medieval history research paper.
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Middle Ages

By: History.com Editors

Updated: June 6, 2023 | Original: April 22, 2010

People use the phrase “Middle Ages” to describe Europe between the fall of Rome in 476 CE and the beginning of the Renaissance in the 14th century. Many scholars call the era the “medieval period” instead; “Middle Ages,” they say, incorrectly implies that the period is an insignificant blip sandwiched between two much more important epochs.

The Middle Ages: Birth of an Idea

The phrase “Middle Ages” tells us more about the Renaissance that followed it than it does about the era itself. Starting around the 14th century, European thinkers, writers and artists began to look back and celebrate the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome . Accordingly, they dismissed the period after the fall of Rome as a “Middle” or even “Dark” age in which no scientific accomplishments had been made, no great art produced, no great leaders born. The people of the Middle Ages had squandered the advancements of their predecessors, this argument went, and mired themselves instead in what 18th-century English historian Edward Gibbon called “barbarism and religion.”

Did you know? Between 1347 and 1350, a mysterious disease known as the "Black Death" (the bubonic plague) killed some 20 million people in Europe—30 percent of the continent’s population. It was especially deadly in cities, where it was impossible to prevent the transmission of the disease from one person to another.

This way of thinking about the era in the “middle” of the fall of Rome and the rise of the Renaissance prevailed until relatively recently. However, today’s scholars note that the era was as complex and vibrant as any other.

The Catholic Church in the Middle Ages

After the fall of Rome, no single state or government united the people who lived on the European continent. Instead, the Catholic Church became the most powerful institution of the medieval period. Kings, queens and other leaders derived much of their power from their alliances with and protection of the Church.

In 800 CE, for example, Pope Leo III named the Frankish king Charlemagne the “Emperor of the Romans”–the first since that empire’s fall more than 300 years before. Over time, Charlemagne’s realm became the Holy Roman Empire, one of several political entities in Europe whose interests tended to align with those of the Church.

Ordinary people across Europe had to “tithe” 10 percent of their earnings each year to the Church; at the same time, the Church was mostly exempt from taxation. These policies helped it to amass a great deal of money and power.

The Middle Ages: The Rise of Islam

Meanwhile, the Islamic world was growing larger and more powerful. After the prophet Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, Muslim armies conquered large parts of the Middle East, uniting them under the rule of a single caliph. At its height, the medieval Islamic world was more than three times bigger than all of Christendom.

Under the caliphs, great cities such as Cairo, Baghdad and Damascus fostered a vibrant intellectual and cultural life. Poets, scientists and philosophers wrote thousands of books (on paper, a Chinese invention that had made its way into the Islamic world by the 8th century). Scholars translated Greek, Iranian and Indian texts into Arabic. Inventors devised technologies like the pinhole camera, soap, windmills, surgical instruments, and an early flying machine. And religious scholars and mystics translated, interpreted and taught the Quran and other scriptural texts to people across the Middle East.

The Crusades

Toward the end of the 11th century, the Catholic Church began to authorize military expeditions, or Crusades , to expel Muslim “infidels” from the Holy Land. Crusaders, who wore red crosses on their coats to advertise their status, believed that their service would guarantee the remission of their sins and ensure that they could spend all eternity in Heaven. (They also received more worldly rewards, such as papal protection of their property and forgiveness of some kinds of loan payments.)

The Crusades began in 1095, when Pope Urban summoned a Christian army to fight its way to Jerusalem , and continued on and off until the end of the 15th century. In 1099, Christian armies captured Jerusalem from Muslim control, and groups of pilgrims from across Western Europe started visiting the Holy Land. Many of them, however, were robbed and killed as they crossed through Muslim-controlled territories during their journey.

Around 1118, a French knight named Hugues de Payens created a military order along with eight relatives and acquaintances that became the Knights Templar , and they won the eventual support of the pope and a reputation for being fearsome fighters. The Fall of Acre in 1291 marked the destruction of the last remaining Crusader refuge in the Holy Land, and Pope Clement V dissolved the Knights Templar in 1312.

No one “won” the Crusades; in fact, many thousands of people from both sides lost their lives. They did make ordinary Catholics across Christendom feel like they had a common purpose, and they inspired waves of religious enthusiasm among people who might otherwise have felt alienated from the official Church. They also exposed Crusaders to Islamic literature, science and technology–exposure that would have a lasting effect on European intellectual life.

The Middle Ages: Art and Architecture

Another way to show devotion to the Church was to build grand cathedrals and other ecclesiastical structures such as monasteries. Cathedrals were the largest buildings in medieval Europe, and they could be found at the center of towns and cities across the continent.

Between the 10th and 13th centuries, most European cathedrals were built in the Romanesque style. Romanesque cathedrals are solid and substantial: They have rounded masonry arches and barrel vaults supporting the roof, thick stone walls and few windows. (Examples of Romanesque architecture include the Porto Cathedral in Portugal and the Speyer Cathedral in present-day Germany.)

Around 1200, church builders began to embrace a new architectural style, known as the Gothic. Gothic structures, such as the Abbey Church of Saint-Denis in France and the rebuilt Canterbury Cathedral in England, have huge stained-glass windows, pointed vaults and pointed arches (a technology perfected in in the Islamic world), and spires and flying buttresses. In contrast to heavy Romanesque buildings, Gothic architecture seems to be almost weightless. Medieval religious art took other forms as well. Frescoes and mosaics decorated church interiors, and artists painted devotional images of the Virgin Mary, Jesus and the saints.

Also, before the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, even books were works of art. Craftsmen in monasteries (and later in universities) created illuminated manuscripts: handmade sacred and secular books with colored illustrations, gold and silver lettering and other adornments. Convents were one of the few places women could receive a higher education , and nuns wrote, translated, and illuminated manuscripts as well. In the 12th century, urban booksellers began to market smaller illuminated manuscripts, like books of hours, psalters and other prayer books, to wealthy individuals.

Did You Know? Juliana Morell, a 17th-century Spanish Dominican nun, is believed to be the first woman in the Western world to earn a university degree.

Chivalry and courtly love were celebrated in stories and songs spread by troubadours. Some of medieval literature’s most famous stories include “The Song of Roland” and “The Song of Hildebrand.” 

The Black Death

Between 1347 and 1350, a mysterious disease known as the " Black Death " (the bubonic plague) killed some 20 million people in Europe—30 percent of the continent’s population. It was especially deadly in cities, where it was impossible to prevent the transmission of the disease from one person to another.

The plague started in Europe in October 1347, when 12 ships from the Black Sea docked at the Sicilian port of Messina. Most sailors aboard the ships were dead, and those who were alive were covered in black boils that oozed blood and pus. Symptoms of the Black Death included fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, terrible aches and pains – and then death. Victims could go to bed feeling healthy and be dead by morning.

The plague killed cows, pigs, goats, chickens and even sheep, leading to a wool shortage in Europe. Understandably terrified about the mysterious disease, some people of the Middle Ages believed the plague was a divine punishment for sin. To obtain forgiveness, some people became “flagellants,” traveling Europe to put on public displays of penance that could include whipping and beating one another. Others turned on their neighbors, purging people they believed to be heretics. Thousands of Jews were murdered between 1348 and 1349, while others fled to less populated areas of Eastern Europe.

Today, scientists know the plague was caused by a bacillus called Yersina pestis , which travels through the air and can also be contracted through the bite of an infected flea . 

The Middle Ages: Economics and Society

In medieval Europe, rural life was governed by a system scholars call “feudalism.” In a feudal society, the king granted large pieces of land called fiefs to noblemen and bishops. Landless peasants known as serfs did most of the work on the fiefs: They planted and harvested crops and gave most of the produce to the landowner. In exchange for their labor, they were allowed to live on the land. They were also promised protection in case of enemy invasion.

During the 11th century, however, feudal life began to change. Agricultural innovations such as the heavy plow and three-field crop rotation made farming more efficient and productive, so fewer farm workers were needed–but thanks to the expanded and improved food supply, the population grew. As a result, more and more people were drawn to towns and cities. Meanwhile, the Crusades had expanded trade routes to the East and given Europeans a taste for imported goods such as wine, olive oil and luxurious textiles. As the commercial economy developed, port cities in particular thrived. By 1300, there were some 15 cities in Europe with a population of more than 50,000.

In these cities, a new era was born: the Renaissance. The Renaissance was a time of great intellectual and economic change, but it was not a complete “rebirth”: It had its roots in the world of the Middle Ages.

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Introduction to the Middle Ages

The Lindisfarne Gospels , left: Saint Matthew, portrait page (25v); right: Saint Matthew, cross-carpet page (26v), c. 700 (Northumbria), 340 x 250 mm ( British Library , Cotton MS Nero D IV)

The dark ages?

So much of what the average person knows, or thinks they know, about the Middle Ages comes from film and tv. When I polled a group of well-educated friends on Facebook, they told me that the word “medieval” called to mind Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Blackadder, The Sword in the Stone, lusty wenches, feasting, courtly love, the plague, jousting and chain mail.

Perhaps someone who had seen (or better yet read) The Name of the Rose or Pillars of the Earth would add cathedrals, manuscripts, monasteries, feudalism, monks and friars.

Petrarch, an Italian poet and scholar of the fourteenth century, famously referred to the period of time between the fall of the Roman Empire (c. 476) and his own day (c. 1330s) as the Dark Ages. Petrarch believed that the Dark Ages was a period of intellectual darkness due to the loss of the classical learning, which he saw as light. Later historians picked up on this idea and ultimately the term Dark Ages was transformed into Middle Ages. Broadly speaking, the Middle Ages is the period of time in Europe between the end of antiquity in the fifth century and the Renaissance , or rebirth of classical learning, in the fifteenth century and sixteenth centuries.

North Transept Rose Window, c. 1235, Chartres Cathedral , France (photo: Dr. Steven Zucker , CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Not so dark after all

Characterizing the Middle Ages as a period of darkness falling between two greater, more intellectually significant periods in history is misleading. The Middle Ages was not a time of ignorance and backwardness, but rather a period during which Christianity flourished in Europe. Christianity, and specifically Catholicism in the Latin West, brought with it new views of life and the world that rejected the traditions and learning of the ancient world.

During this time, the Roman Empire slowly fragmented into many smaller political entities. The geographical boundaries for European countries today were established during the Middle Ages. This was a period that heralded the formation and rise of universities, the establishment of the rule of law, numerous periods of ecclesiastical reform and the birth of the tourism industry. Many works of medieval literature, such as the Canterbury Tales, the Divine Comedy, and The Song of Roland, are widely read and studied today.

The visual arts prospered during Middles Ages, which created its own aesthetic values. The wealthiest and most influential members of society commissioned cathedrals, churches, sculpture, painting, textiles, manuscripts, jewelry and ritual items from artists. Many of these commissions were religious in nature but medieval artists also produced secular art. Few names of artists survive and fewer documents record their business dealings, but they left behind an impressive legacy of art and culture.

When I polled the same group of friends about the word “Byzantine,” many struggled to come up with answers. Among the better ones were the song “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” sung by They Might Be Giants, crusades, things that are too complex (like the tax code or medical billing), Hagia Sophia, the poet Yeats, mosaics, monks, and icons. Unlike Western Europe in the Middle Ages, the Byzantine Empire is not romanticized in television and film.

Approximate boundaries of the Byzantine Empire, mid-6th century (underlying map © Google)

In the medieval West, the Roman Empire fragmented, but in the Byzantine East, it remained a strong, centrally-focused political entity. Byzantine emperors ruled from Constantinople, which they thought of as the New Rome. Constantinople housed Hagia Sophia , one of the world’s largest churches, and was a major center of artistic production.

Isidore of Miletus & Anthemius of Tralles for Emperor Justinian, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, 532–37 (photo: Steven Zucker , CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

The Byzantine Empire experienced two periods of Iconoclasm (730–787 and 814–842), when images and image-making were problematic. Iconoclasm left a visible legacy on Byzantine art because it created limits on what artists could represent and how those subjects could be represented. Byzantine Art is broken into three periods. Early Byzantine or Early Christian art begins with the earliest extant Christian works of art c. 250 and ends with the end of Iconoclasm in 842. Middle Byzantine art picks up at the end of Iconoclasm and extends to the sack of Constantinople by Latin Crusaders in 1204. Late Byzantine art was made between the sack of Constantinople and the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453.

In the European West, Medieval art is often broken into smaller periods. These date ranges vary by location.

Additional resources:

Smarthistory’s free Guide to Byzantine Art e-book

Art and Death in the Middle Ages on The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History)

Byzantium from The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History

Icons and Iconoclasm on The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History

Classical Antiquity in the Middle Ages, The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History

Hagia Sophia on The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History

Smarthistory images for teaching and learning:

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Home — Essay Samples — History — Medieval Europe — Middle Ages

Essays on Middle Ages

Prompt examples for middle ages essays, feudalism in the middle ages.

Discuss the system of feudalism in the Middle Ages. Explore its structure, roles of various social classes (lords, vassals, serfs), and the economic, political, and social implications of feudalism on medieval society.

Medieval Castles and Their Significance

Examine the construction, architecture, and strategic importance of medieval castles. Analyze how castles served as both defensive structures and symbols of power during the Middle Ages.

Medieval Monarchy and Kingship

Discuss the role of kings and monarchs in medieval Europe. Analyze the powers, responsibilities, and challenges faced by medieval monarchs. Explore the development of centralized authority and the emergence of nation-states during this period.

The Crusades: Motives and Consequences

Examine the motives behind the Crusades and their impact on the Middle Ages. Discuss the religious, economic, and political factors that led to the Crusades and analyze their consequences on Europe, the Middle East, and cross-cultural interactions.

Medieval Religion and the Church

Explore the role of religion in medieval Europe, with a focus on the Catholic Church. Discuss the influence of the Church on daily life, culture, and politics. Analyze the challenges and reforms within the Church during this era.

Medieval Literature and Art

Discuss the literary and artistic achievements of the Middle Ages. Explore notable works such as epic poems, chivalric romances, and illuminated manuscripts. Analyze how medieval literature and art reflected the values and beliefs of the time.

The Black Death: Causes and Impact

Examine the causes and consequences of the Black Death (bubonic plague) in the Middle Ages. Discuss the social, economic, and demographic effects of the plague on medieval Europe and its long-term repercussions.

Medieval Knights and Chivalry

Explore the role of knights in medieval society and the code of chivalry they followed. Discuss the training, duties, and ideals of knights. Analyze the romanticized versus the historical realities of knighthood.

The Hundred Years' War

Discuss the Hundred Years' War between England and France during the 14th and 15th centuries. Examine the causes, key battles, and outcomes of the conflict. Analyze the impact of the war on the political and social landscape of Europe.

Medieval Trade and Commerce

Examine the growth of trade and commerce in medieval Europe. Discuss the role of guilds, fairs, and trade routes such as the Silk Road. Analyze the economic impact of trade on medieval cities and the development of the merchant class.

The Role of Tailors During The Middle Ages

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Life in The Medieval Times

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Social Life During The Middle Ages

Comparing the ideals of the middle ages and renaissance, the crusades in the medieval period, the role of monasteries in medieval society, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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Social Effects of The Black Plague

A comparison of the different views of kingship in europe during the middle ages, the development of music in the middle ages, a report on feudalism, its emergence and features, feudalism in middle ages, what the medieval mind is and how it affected culture and life in europe, the hundred years war and its impact on england and france, the role of the strengths of william of normandy in winning the battle of hastings, women portrayal in the works of peter abelard, boccaccio, and margery kempe, samurai versus knight: comparison of battle tactics, history of the church, analysis of the perspective of medievalism in modern films, how the renaissance changed the man's view of man and the world, the main causes of the french revolution, comparison of the knights of medieval europe and samurai of shogunate japan, the way the renaissance changed man's view of man, the brevard - french huguenots, comparison of japanese and european feudalism, middle ages and renaissance: comparing the masses, knights as a part of medieval chivalry era, relevant topics.

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Middle Ages Essay Topics

Not always will a professor give students a choice to choose an essay topic. When they do, they don’t expect you to roughly select any topic that comes to mind. The freedom to choose what topic to write about comes with its challenges. First, you’ve to select a topic that is relevant to the professor’s given instructions. It shouldn’t be too complicated or straightforward.

The topic must, by all means, be reasonable, brilliant, and information-wise fabulous. It must be linked to a variety of useful ideas and materials. That simply means the process of selecting a topic for your essays may not be as easy and fun as you think. In case you’ve been requested to write an essay on Middle Ages essay topics, you should look for topics that have had a great impact in the past.

It would be better you modify and make a topic that has been used previously better than use newly introduced ideas you don’t understand. We at TopicsBase are always ready to hold your hand and help you cross that arduous bridge whenever you’re in dare need if brilliant middle ages essay topics. These are the various types of topics you can use in your essay writing to make it great.

• The adverse effects of the hundred years of war
• The inspirations from Joan of Arc
• The best weaponry of the Middle Ages that are applicable today
• The reasons for the establishment of cities such as London, Venice, and Milan during the Middle Ages era
• The impact of Middle Age products such as gunpowder on modern society
• The impacts of Middle Ages Infantry and Weapons on the modern welfare
• The reasons behind the fall of Burgundy
• How the elderly were treated in the Middle Ages society
• Did we have female saints in the Middle Age era?
• The best approaches kingdoms used to increase coffers during the Middle Ages
• Why the poor lived such pathetic lives during the Middle Age?
• The differences in how Middle Age Criminals and Modern criminals are treated
• Did the Middle Age groups believe in the concept of childhood?
• The only options the working-class women had in the Middle Age era
• Crusades were an integral historical part of the Middle age and here is why
• How were witches treated during the Middle Ages?
• Reasons the Middle Age people considered witchcraft to be so bad
• The moment that impacted the Middle Ages to extreme levels
• The importance of marriage during the Middle Ages
• Did the university have any significance in the Middle Ages?
• The reasons trading was the only most powerful way of life for the Middle Ages working class
• The most common urban changes in the Middle Ages period
• The main historical events of the Middle Ages that are active today
• The differences and similarities between the Moors and Jews in the Middle Ages
• The role the Medici played during the Middle Ages

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Middle Ages - List of Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

The Middle Ages, also known as the Medieval period, spans roughly from the 5th to the early 15th century. Essays could explore various aspects of this era including its social hierarchy, feudal system, cultural developments, religious influences, and how the legacies of the Middle Ages continue to impact modern society. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to Middle Ages you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Magna Carta in the Middle Ages

This is a document that was forcefully signed by John the King of England between 1116 and 1216 at Runnymede near Windsor Castle Middle Ages, Lordsandladies). This particular document is like the Domesday Book and is considered to be the most significant document to have been written during at the time. It has a great effect on the English society and its law in general. This paper describes the Magna Carta in the Middle Age.It may be sound strange that […]

Unit Essay the Influence on Islam on other Societies during the Middle Ages

As civilizations have evolved, they have become increasingly interconnected, which has led to human concepts expanding and mixing with other ideas and cultures. Islam saw widespread expansion throughout the world and coexisted alongside many other religious and cultural groups. Due to this, it began to have small influences on the various cultural and religious ideas in the empires and populations it spread to. As Islam became more interconnected with other cultures, it led to several effects and improvements on societies, […]

Causes and Consequences of the Crusades

The popes mainly started these wars, and the first crusade was started by pope urban. In doing this, he was hoping to help the Byzantine Empire that was being attacked by Muslim Seljuk Turks. The Europeans could capture Jerusalem because of this crusade. The Muslims decided to band together and fight the Christians who when were attacking them. Both both they fought in wars to gain control of the holy land. Jerusalem then got controlled by the Muslims and the […]

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Importance of the Middle Ages in the Growth of the Western Civilization

It has been asked if it is fair to consider the Middle Ages as the Dark Ages or was it only a continuation of trends that were long underway by the time the Renaissance occurred. Can we say there was no true political expansion? Would we be accurate in saying there were no new thoughts or ideas? Did our ancestors truly halt all thought and spiritual growth to wait for the Renaissance? should think not! Although there may have been […]

Chronicle of Transition: a Timeline of the Dark Ages in the Middle Ages

The phrase "Dark Ages" often conjures up visions of a post-Roman Europe enveloped in intellectual and cultural obscurity. This intriguing historical period, which generally corresponds to the 5th to the 15th century, was characterized by a number of socio-political shifts. By showing the intricate web of events that produced the contemporary world, an understanding of the Dark Ages chronology helps to demystify this period of history. The collapse of the Western Roman Empire marked the beginning of the Dark Ages. […]

Essay on Medieval Times

The middle ages began in the 5th century and last until the 15th century. It began with eh fall of the Western Roman Empire and made its way into the Renaissance. In Medieval Europe there was a war in Northern Spain in 792. It targeted the Christian countries. Charlemagne’s army was ambushed by the Basques. There was a qualitative change in the nature of Christian virtue in Europe. Christendom is the realm of the Christians. In the Early ages Jesus […]

Christianity in Medieval Europe

The church was a dominating force back in the middle ages. After the fall of the Roman Empire the only religion that was recognized was Christianity and more specifically Catholicism. The Roman Empire fell after Emperor Constantine took the throne. This end the harassment of Christians and gave arose of Christianic society All kinds of people went by the faith, Rich and poor. People who were a part of the church like priests, preachers, etc. became people with a lot […]

King Baldwin IV Versus Saladin

The Kingdom of Jerusalem was a Crusade that occurred in the eastern Baltic area in the years 1182-1187. The knowledge available today regarding this Crusade is from accredited historian William of Tyre’s Chronicle of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. He serves as a great source because he mentored Baldwin IV, one of the kings of Jerusalem at the time (Hamilton 8). He also was the archbishop and chancellor of Tyre, which proves his religious devotion and integrity. Saladin, a great ruler […]

Second Crusade in Medieval History

In medieval times there were military expeditions called crusades (Currie). The purpose of these crusades was to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims. Known as the Second Crusade the expedition was started for the purpose of reclaiming the city of Edessa. Although they had the necessary forces to achieve this feat it had ultimately fallen flat due to failure to have success in their battles (Combee and Thompson ). Previously in the First Crusade, the Christian forces had reclaimed […]

Medieval Romances – Middle English Poem

"Despite the name, medieval romances are not about romance at all. Today, the genre of romance is characterised by love and attraction, take Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet for instance. However, medieval romances are not quite that. The word “romanticus”, which means “roman” or “roman inspired”. Therefore, this just refers to the genre or style of the story. The 14th-century poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight fits into the genre of a medieval romance (or also referred to as a […]

Middle East History

The Crusades When thinking about Middle East History and the many events that have taken place over the years, it is important to always look further into the Crusades. Scottish philosopher and historian David Hume considered the Crusades to be the most signal and durable monument of human folly that has yet appeared in any age or nation (Tyerman, xi). He also argued that they engrossed the attention of Europe and ever since has continued to engross the curiosity of […]

What Led to the Crusades

"A huge turning point in Medieval history are the Crusades. The Crusades were a series of wars fought between the Christian/Europeans and the Turks and Muslims. These happened between the years of 1096-1272.”God looks after the the Crusaders and will keep at least one of my boys safe”(grant 93), the Christians wanted the Holy Land from the Turks, in which they did not succeed. “When King Richard announces that he will launch a Crusade, both Will and Gavin are sent […]

A Brief History of Feudal Society

The year was 476, flames leapt through the crumbling buildings of Rome. Once the beating heart Western Civilization the former capital now lay in waste, it’s emperor defeated by barbarians. What was to be the fate of Europe? With Western Rome gone, the only classical power left lay far to the East with the Byzantines. Without any centralized power, Europe fractured into chaos. Hundreds of small dutchies independent of any higher authority began to spring up. These small countries organised […]

Economic History of Medieval Europe

The breakdown of the Roman Empire left the Western world mutilated. History specialist always banter the explanations behind the incredible fall of the Roman Civilization. Many propose that; the ascent of Christianity, overexpansion, various Barbarian attack, and financial and political strife all prompted the destruction. After the Roman Empire, Europe was instable and partitioned; monetarily and politically. Gradually, Western Europe reconstruct its development with new innovation and strategies. With in the years, numerous developments and new type of learning helped […]

Postclassical Period

During the postclassical period, along with other major civilizations including Asia and Africa, two great Christian civilizations emerged in Europe. One Christian civilization that emerged was the Byzantine Empire, which controlled parts of western Asia and southeastern Europe. Since the Romans set up their eastern capital in Constantinople, the Byzantine Empire maintained high levels of political, economic, and cultural life during the period of 500 to 1450 C.E. Imperial decline and collapse, as demonstrated by the Byzantine Empire, was in […]

The Third Crusade in History

"The Third Crusade was unsuccessful but was still very important to history, with the death of King Frederick Barbarossa and Richard’s reign over Egypt. Saladin, after the Second Crusade, decided to invade Damascus in 1174 CE and Aleppo in 1183 CE. After these victories Saladin decided to attack Jerusalem, and he surprisingly won. After this victory, he easily took over the entire Latin East in the Battle of Hattin, in which only Tyre remained for Christians. These events lead to […]

Saladin: Story of a Hero

I am quite the history fanatic and an avid collector of books, and I have quite a few texts on Arabic/Middle Eastern history. While they range from ancient to modern, one of the most interesting people I have read about was Saladin, a Muslim leader (both military and political) who lived during the 12th century (born in 1137 CE, died in 1193 CE). Saladin was best known for both his efforts to unite the Muslim world at the time, and […]

The Renaissance Era in Europe

The renaissance era could be described as the era of enlightenment in Europe considering the break mainly from middle age era in which various forms of the society were being established. Enlightenment era introduced a keener approach towards understanding various forms of human and social existence. Prior to this era, Europe was dominated by the emergence of kingdom and state powers in which people were trying to fit in. For instance, the era saw a significance in kingdoms based on […]

A Summary of the Templar Knights

For 200 years, blood was spilled for the name of god. Lines were drawn, alliances were formed and enemies made. Out of the bloodshed came legends of heroes, martyr, and secret religious relics like the Crown of Thorns or Holy Grail. It is during the crusades that the story of the knights Templars begins. Pilgrims were often robbed and killed as they traveled through Muslim controlled areas during their journey to holy land. A French knight by the name of […]

European Culture 4th-18th Century

Between the 14th century and the mid-18th century, European culture experienced drastic changes involving literature, painting, politics, science, religion, economics, and world exploration. Each century added a new piece of innovation to the european culture, some in more ways than others. Each and every one of these seven pieces have affected one another in a series of events throughout history. The Late Middle Ages, or the 14th century, had some major hardships that affected the population greatly. The first main […]

A Tour of Five Eras

The best representatives of Greek and Roman culture for the Greco-Roman room of the museum are Funerary Crater and Emperor Caracalla, respectively. Funerary Crater, a terra cotta amphora created by an unknown artist in the eighth century BC, is decorated with black-figure images, mainly depicting mythological symbols and scenes (Benton and DiYanni, 2014, p. 38). This fits well with the Greek culture, which was totally permeated by mythological ideas; a vase such as this one would have been used in […]

Privation in Pursuit of Salvation

"An army marches on its stomach"—an age-old axiom attributed to both Napoleon Bonaparte and Frederick the Great. Although crystallized into a succinct phrase during the Enlightenment Era, the underlying truth about the nature of expeditionary warfare—that a steady supply of foodstuffs is paramount to all other military considerations—has been understood by military minds since the dawn of man. Surely, the logisticians and civil leaders of Europe were not ignorant of this fact when planning to embark upon a campaign to […]

The Origin of Luther’s Primary and Secondary Education in the Renaissance

The 12th century medieval Europe was marked by remarkable changes in the fields of astrology and science. The medieval renaissance was characterized by a lot of intellectual growth and development of new styles and movements such as Romanesque art, the development of poetry both lyrical and spoken and development of Latin literature. The 12th century renaissance was characterized by the development of cathedral schools and development of universities such as Oxford, Paris, Montpellier, Bologna and Salerno. The renaissance period was […]

A Religious Perspective of the Medieval Period: an Odyssey

The medieval period, also known as middle ages, covered the era between the 5th and 15th centuries. Christianity was the state religion during the Roman Empire. However, Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and some other reformers questioned Catholicism and established Protestantism, which derived norms from teachings in the Bible. Islam was the other significant religion of the medieval period, but it existed mainly in the Middle East before spreading to Spain and some other European territories. Paganism and Judaism were also […]

The Siege of Lisbon

The Siege of Lisbon is largely regarded by historians as the sole triumph in the effort to conquer, colonize, and spread Christianity in Moor territories during the Second Crusade of the 12th century. The Monastery of Santa Maria d'Alcobaça has since stood as a symbol of the long-lasting success of this conquest. The victory in Lisbon was made possible when self-appointed siege leader, Afonso Henriques, persuaded Catholic Crusaders to aid his expedition to recapture Lisbon from under Muslim rule. The […]

Impact of Rivalries on Late Medieval Iberian Exploration

A common theme in ancient history, and in the present day, is expansion. Each state wants to be bigger and better than its neighbors, and late medieval Iberia was no exception. During the time period of medieval Iberia, the states of Portugal, Aragon, and Castile all wanted the title of being the most powerful state in the world. However, the only way they could attain this goal was by conquering other states and expanding their territories. This desire for power […]

Jerusalem for Islam or for Christianity

Saladin, the Sultan of Egypt and Syria reclaimed Jerusalem for Islam. In response, Pope Gregory VIII calls for the holy war to reclaim Jerusalem for Christianity. In turn, three esteemed European kings respond to his call, the most significant member of the Crusade being Richard I of England as their leader. The Crusaders head for Jerusalem, the Muslims preparing to defend their claim. As the Crusade continues to drag on, the Crusaders and Muslims grow to be friendly and willing […]

Franks Classified as Barbarians

"In comparison to Christian accounts, the Islamic perspective recounts a different side of the story about the Crusades than our previously studied Christian perspective. This perspective includes the alliances made, trade, and exchange of ideas and technology between Muslims and Christian crusaders. Christian and Muslim sources are so discordant because Muslim sources don’t recognize the Crusades, rather as persistent Frankish aggression. On the other hand we take the Christian perspective. Their primary objectives were first to to reclaim Jerusalem and […]

Remembering the Crusade for the Holy Land

In the year of our Lord, 1095, Alexios I appealed to Pope Urban II to send soldiers to the Holy Land. The Pope sought to regain the Holy Lands for Christian use, such as preserving the religious monuments of the Christian faith, for Jerusalem had been overtaken by extremists of the Islamic religion. A crusade would also help the Pope establish his power and prestige, so Pope Urban II had no objections to taking back the Holy Lands. After all, […]

Fulker of Chartres about Crusades

"In response to the defeat of the Byzantines, in section 3 of “Fulker of Chartres,” it says that the Pope had addressed Christendom saying that they need to come together to defend against the oncoming invasions of Muslim armies. This proves that the Crusades were a retaliation of lost land and Christian lives to the Muslim armies. Urban describes the horrors that the Muslims have already unleashed on Christians, and how they have laid waste to their kingdoms. Pope Urban […]

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Middle Ages Essay Examples

We have 58 free papers on middle ages for you, essay examples, essay topics, echoes of valor: knights and samurai in history and tradition.

In the kingdom of history and soldiery traditions, there is magic research of two expressive cultures of warriors, that once flowered in separate corners of the world. These cultures gave beginning to the noble individuals, which personified the ideals of honor, loyalty, and military mastery. As we are dug into their corresponding practices, we run…

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Middle Ages

Given that many immigrants came over to America around the same time and most from Europe why did they develop so differently? To get to the America, there is today, many people had to develop their own identities in the new world. There were three main sections that America was broken up into, these were…

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Life for everyone was and is still hard. After the fall of the Rome took place in the fifth century, the Medieval Period began. This period lasted until the 15th century. Some of the major events that took place during the medieval time period were: The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476, The…

Education in the Middle Ages (1013 words)

Education in the Middle Ages differed for each family in the feudal system. Children that came from wealthy lords or nobles would obviously have a higher and more expensive education than the children of peasants and serfs. Then again, many didn’t even receive one. Up until around 1066 AD, very few were educated at all-…

Middle Ages: Saint Thomas Aquinas

Saint Thomas Aquinas: Saint Thomas Aquinas was a Catholic Priest in the 13th Century, and he was regarded as one of the greatest philosophers of the Middle Ages. He is also regarded, by the Church, to be its greatest theologian. He brought new ideas to light as strength in Christian beliefs was weak, and he…

Chivalry in sir gawain and the green knight Essay

Sir Gawain And The Green Knight

During the Middle Ages, knights lived their lives following the chivalric code. In an essay, define the chivalric code and prove how Gawain, in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, is both a laudation and a condemnation of the chivalric code. The code of chivalry is a collaboration of virtues including loyalty, honesty, courteousness, obedience,…

Free on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Sir Essay

Gawain Green Knight Essays Sir Gawain and the Green Knight The poet begins his work by reminding us that the history of Britain is both ancient and glorious; Aeneas, whose deeds in the Trojan War are legendary, whose exploits in war are recorded in Virgil’s Aeneid, and who is legendary for having founded the city…

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight & color Essay

Though often extensive detail may be condemned as mere flowery language, in understanding Sir Gawain and the Green Knight one must make special emphasis on it. In color and imagery itself, the unknown author paints the very fibers of this work, allowing Sir Gawain to discern the nuances of ritualistic chivalry and truth. His quest…

Sir Gawain and The Green Knight Imagery Essay

In literature, insights into characters, places, and events are often communicated to the reader through the use of imagery within the text. Thus is the case with “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”. The Pearl Poet’s use of imagery runs rampant within the work culminating to set forth the theme of mysticism and/or the supernatural….

Symbology in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Symbology”Trimmed with gold, it was green silk, embroidered with stones, but only at the edges” (Anonymous SGGK, 1832). The beautiful green belt, which Gawain received from the Host’s wife, represents Gawain’s weakness. One of the “rules” of the Round Table was to show no fear, which Gawain did exceptionally…

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A Comparison of The Different Views of Kingship in Europe During The Middle Ages

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1. Name two powerful forces molding the development of Romanesque (and Gothic) art and architecture: a. Pilgrimage b. Monastic movement 2. Which cathedral was the starting point to the pilgrimage to Santiago, Spain?

Vezelay cathedral in France

3. What was at Santiago (or maybe who)?

The church in Santiago was believed to house the bones of St James

4. Why did people go on pilgrimages? Cite five reasons. a. to plead for divine help b. to ask for the cure revealed c. to give thanks for favors given d. to ask to forgive their sins e. for the salvation of their souls 5. Whose relics were at Vezelay?

The relics of Mary Magdalene

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A Revolution is defined as ‘a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving’ (Julian 173). One would also say a revolution involves basic changes in power or organizational structures which take place in a relatively short period of time. The Scientific and Industrial revolutions were both a change of life, and changed the way that jobs were created along with how people created different theories regarding different approaches to creation and nature (Julian 173).

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How did the church’s way of presenting the good news about Jesus to a wide audience change and not change between Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages?

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33 Best Argumentative Essay Topics About The Middle Ages

If there is any time in history that arouses a unique kind of interest in writing historical essay topics, it is the Middle Ages. There were lots of acts and activities that inspired most of the technological inventions and improvements we are experiencing today. And with the development of various technologies, lots of lives then were changed. So, if you have been asked to write an argumentative essay on this time in history, you would surely not run out of ideas to write about because there are lots of fascinating things to write about as shown below.

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• Joan of Arc – Is she an inspiration to modern women?
• The Hundred Years War – Are there consequences yet untold
• The continued use of gunpowder – A reflection of the Middle Ages
• Modern weaponry and the weaponry from the Middle Ages that is still being used
• Weapons versus Infantry – Which has had the most effect on warfare in the Middle Ages and now
• Analyzing the reasons behind the lesser population in Portugal and Poland as compared to France and England
• Burgundy’s Fall – The factors behind it all
• The kingdoms of the Middle Ages – A look at how their coffers are increased
• The rationale behind the rise of London, Milan, and Venice in the Middle Ages
• The Middle Ages – Why England was the only location the gentry could be found
• The elderly ones – was there any respect for them in the Middle Ages?
• The Middle Ages – The hardship surrounding the lower class then
• What kind of treatment was meted out to criminals in the Middle Ages?
• Was there a reverence for female saints in the Middle Ages?
• The several reasons why the crusades would not be missing in the history of the Middle Ages
• Working class women – What were their options in the Middle Ages?
• The women of the Middle Ages – How they rose to become leaders
• The development of chivalry in the Middle Ages – Contributing factors
• The “childhood” concept – Did it really exist during the Middle Ages?
• Political thoughts of the Middle Ages – Which are still existing today?
• The Medici – What roles did they play during the Middle Ages and of what importance?
• The Middle Ages – Top reasons why you should read stories of the crusades
• The Middle Ages working class – The best trades options that were open to them
• The importance of marriage in the Middle Ages
• The Moors and the Jews – The relationship between them
• Life in the Middle Ages – What led the urban change then?
• The Middle Ages – Important historical event that says it all
• The University of the Middle Ages – Determining its driving force then
• The Middle Ages – Determining the moment that had the most significant impact on it
• Witchcraft during the Middle Ages – What was their thought then?
• The exploration cities and trade routes by Venice and Bari – what impact did it have on other European nations’ future explorations?
• What was the impact of the fall of Constantinople on Europe and Africa?
• The Roman empire – In what ways did thriving of Christianity contribute to its downfall?

With these essay topics, you would surely not run out of ideas for your upcoming argumentative essay about the Middle Ages.

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440 Renaissance Essay Topics

Renaissance is a period in European history that followed the Middle Ages and changed the perspective on the world around. It is characterized by growing interest in Classical antiquity and the revival of European art and literature. During that time, even the way of thinking transformed, impacted by numerous inventions, discoveries, and cultural growth.

The key characteristics of the period are a willingness to learn, faith in humanism, the rebirth of naturalism , secularism, and mastery of linear perspective. You can explore them all with our Renaissance essay topics. Our experts have prepared a list of ideas for various academic papers and assignments. Besides, check how to write a Renaissance essay to get the highest score!

🔝 Top 12 Renaissance Topics

🖼️ renaissance topics list: general, 🎨 renaissance art essay topics.

• 🏰 Renaissance Research: Architecture

🧑‍🦱 Renaissance Research Topics: Humanism

🔭 renaissance essay questions: science.

• ➕ 60 More Renaissance Topics

✍️ How to Write a Renaissance Essay

🔗 references.

• Exploring the philosophy behind humanism.
• How did Middle Ages influence the Renaissance?
• Niccolò Machiavelli and political science.
• Themes and Characters in Shakespeare’s Plays .
• The Italian Renaissance through literature.
• What is the role of Christian humanism in the Renaissance?
• Comparing the art of Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.
• What is the secret behind Mona Lisa’s popularity?
• Renaissance in Italian City-States .
• The impact of the early Renaissance on Western civilization.
• Exploring Albrecht Durer’s importance to the history of printmaking.
• What was the impact of Renaissance ideas on religious reformations?
• The concept and principles of humanism in the Renaissance.
• Understanding the political and social changes during the Renaissance.
• The cultural shift from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance.
• Where and how did the Renaissance start?
• The Renaissance as a period of progress and enlightenment.
• How did the Renaissance help spread the modern Western worldview?
• The impact of the Renaissance on modern art and architecture.
• “Othello” by William Shakespeare .
• How did the Catholic Church shape Renaissance culture?
• The achievements of the Middle Ages that impacted the Renaissance.
• The role of the Medici family in the Renaissance development.
• Factors that drove the beginning of the Renaissance era.
• Exploring how Protestant Reformation influenced the Renaissance.
• The scientific and artistic principles discovered by Leonardo da Vinci.
• Understanding the phenomenon of the High Renaissance.
• “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare: The Character of Gertrude .
• An overview of the greatest Renaissance geniuses and their contributions.
• The main qualities of a Renaissance man.
• The influence of classical mythology on Renaissance art and literature.
• Printing press and knowledge during the Renaissance.
• The relationship between the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution .
• Patronage and the development of art during the Renaissance.
• Women’s contributions to art and sciences during the Renaissance.
• The cultural exchange between Europe and the Ottoman Empire .
• How did the Renaissance change modern education systems and curricula?
• The influence of Renaissance thought on the Enlightenment .
• Leonardo Da Vinci: Biography, Style and Work .
• Understanding the difference between the Renaissance and the Baroque period.
• Renaissance literature and modern storytelling techniques and principles.
• The effect of humanism on philosophy and culture.
• How did the Renaissance challenge the church?
• Establishing the Renaissance’s impact on democracy and individual rights.
• The contributions of Renaissance artists and writers to Western culture.
• How did the Renaissance’s thought impact modern science?
• The relationship between the Renaissance and the Age of Exploration.
• “The Taming of the Shrew” by Shakespeare: Katherine and Petruchio .
• Language and linguistic theories concerning the Renaissance influence.
• The global exchange of ideas during the Renaissance.
• The Renaissance and the development of modern capitalism .
• Exploring the concept of cultural diffusion during the Renaissance.
• The cultural impact of the Renaissance on Shakespeare’s works.
• Trade and commerce during the Renaissance.
• Factors contributing to the Renaissance cities’ cultural and economic growth.
• How did the Renaissance impact the development of modern medicine?
• The influence of Renaissance art on contemporary fashion and design.
• Culinary practices and food culture in the Renaissance context.
• The Art of Drama. ‘Hamlet’ by William Shakespeare .
• The Renaissance and changes in modern banking and financial systems.
• Music and the cultural and social life of Renaissance Europe.
• How did the Renaissance change modern political theory and government?
• Contemporary sports and leisure activities impacted by the Renaissance period.
• Did the Protestant Reformation impact the development of modern Europe?
• How did the Renaissance support the spread of European imperialism ?
• Shakespeare’s poems and plays as the masterpieces of Renaissance literature.
• Cultural values, traditions, and norms during the Renaissance period.
• Examining modern literary forms and styles in connection to the Renaissance.
• The relationship between the Renaissance and contemporary philosophy and theology .
• Women’s social roles during the Renaissance and other historical periods.
• Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare .
• Contemporary art and design movements that originate from the Renaissance.
• Exploring the concept of Renaissance concerning capitalism development.
• What was the relationship between Renaissance science and religion ?
• The spread of knowledge during the Renaissance epoch.
• Understanding the cultural conflicts and intolerance during the Renaissance.
• The core qualities of Renaissance intellectual thought.
• Did the Renaissance contribute to modern communication technologies?
• Modern colonialism and the global cultural exchange during the Renaissance.
• To what extent was the Renaissance a revolutionary period?
• The consequences of the Renaissance colonization for different countries.
• Was the Renaissance a continuation of previous trends and developments?
• Exploring the Renaissance as a period of regression and ignorance.
• “The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli .
• The outcomes of modern capitalism and economic systems for society.
• The Renaissance as an epoch of cultural exchange and openness.
• Alchemy and the scientific and cultural developments of the Renaissance.
• Renaissance medicine compared to modern medical practices and beliefs.
• The study of magic and astrology during the Renaissance.
• The Renaissance and modern music and musical instruments.
• Religious dissent and heresy in the Renaissance cultural developments.
• Exploring the concept of the occult through the Renaissance lens.
• Modern recreational activities originating from the Renaissance.
• How did the Renaissance shape modern fashion and clothing styles?
• Modern gardening and landscaping techniques and the Renaissance influence.
• Transportation and communication technologies that the Renaissance shaped.
• The most famous artistic works created during the Renaissance.
• John Donne’s Poems .
• Understanding the outcomes of the Renaissance explorers’ journeys.
• The Renaissance as a process of cultural and intellectual change.
• How important was religion during the Renaissance epoch?
• Protestantism as a new form of Christianity.
• The reasons behind the demise of the Renaissance.
• The Counter-Reformation movement and its impact on the Renaissance thinkers.
• Did the Renaissance overshadow the culture of the Middle Ages?
• Changes in the Renaissance people’s perception of the world.
• Was the Renaissance the dawn of a new age?
• Factors that led to the end of the Italian Renaissance.
• The most influential works of art from the Renaissance era.
• What makes the Renaissance unique compared to other historical periods?
• Periodization of the Renaissance and the main characteristics of art.
• Architectural composition during the Renaissance.
• The secret of realistic Renaissance paintings and sculptures.
• The Proto-Renaissance and the greatest artists of this time.
• Features of Giotto di Bondone’s art during Proto-Renaissance.
• The Sistine Madonna as a painting of the High Renaissance.
• Raphael’s Painting “Madonna in a Chair”.
• Why are Leonardo da Vinci’s Renaissance artworks unique?
• Technological advancements and the establishment of musical ideas during the Renaissance.
• First musical instruments during the Renaissance.
• Collections and art of England, France, and Germany in the Renaissance.
• Fine art and its place in the Italian Renaissance perceptions.
• Who were the famous muses in the famous Renaissance paintings?
• The influence of Renaissance development on European music.
• Modern interpretations of Renaissance art.
• Mysteries behind the works of Leonardo da Vinci.
• Italy as the first country to enter the Renaissance.
• Vitruvian Man as a symbol of the Renaissance.
• Locating Shakespeare’s Revisionist Perspective in Henriad .
• The fall of the Byzantine empire and Renaissance art.
• How did the Renaissance influence music?
• Mona Lisa and her role during the Renaissance.
• How did science influence the fine art of the Renaissance?
• The reflection of Renaissance Florence fashion in the paintings.
• Why did Renaissance culture pique the interest of humanists?
• Where did the Renaissance era begin?
• Niccolo Machiavelli as the most influential author of the Renaissance.
• The Pope and the famous Sistine Chapel.
• The origins and ideals of Renaissance art.
• Novels Renaissance Analysis .
• Features of the Italian and Northern Renaissance art.
• Tiziano Vecelli as a famous Late Renaissance Artist.
• The Medici as a famous Italian dynasty patronizing art.
• The difference between Italian art and Northern Renaissance art.
• The Florentine School as the center of Renaissance art innovation.
• La Comedia and Dante Alighieri as symbols of Renaissance literature.
• The main features of Renaissance literature.
• Albrecht Dürer and his techniques in Renaissance paintings.
• A preferable narrative in Renaissance art.
• Dürer’s works that shocked the German townsfolk.
• The types of artwork performed by Titian during the Renaissance.
• European artists who were inspired by Titian’s Renaissance works.
• “Twelfth Night of What You Will” by William Shakespeare: Plots and Themes .
• Michelangelo Buonarroti and his well-known works.
• The main hero in Michelangelo’s works.
• The works of the Renaissance that were destroyed with time.
• The role of religion during the Renaissance .
• Religious motifs in the art of the Renaissance.
• Beauty and harmony in the poems of the Renaissance.
• Which works made the Renaissance artists famous?
• Mythology as an inspirational factor in the Renaissance.
• The role of color and symmetry in Renaissance paintings.
• Prospero’s Books and Shakespeare .
• The breadth of reality coverage in Renaissance paintings.
• The role of Roman and Greek philosophy in Renaissance art.
• What role did education play in forms of Renaissance art?
• The birth of radical ideas during the Proto-Renaissance period.
• The perception of femininity in the paintings of Renaissance artists.
• Perceptions of divine and human in the works of Renaissance writers.
• Geometrical forms in Renaissance art.
• The role of symbolism in Renaissance paintings, music, and literature.
• Renaissance iconography and famous artists.
• The meaning behind nude bodies in Renaissance art.
• How does Renaissance nudity shape the perception of the human body?
• Ancient heritage in Renaissance art.
• Italian Renaissance artists: Lifestyle and thinking.
• Humanism as the dominant feature of Renaissance culture and art.
• How is the principle of humanism connected with art discoveries?
• What was the artistic revolution of the Renaissance?
• “Othello” by Shakespeare: Heroes Analysis .
• The peculiarity of artists’ works of the high Italian Renaissance.
• Renaissance as a cultural and artistic phenomenon.
• Renaissance: the link between the Middle Ages and Modern Times.
• The role of the ancient heritage in Renaissance art.
• The phenomenon of the Islamic Renaissance.
• Filippo Brunelleschi and Early Renaissance architecture.
• Sandro Botticelli and Biblical and antique themes in painting.
• Raphael Santi created the perfect image of a Renaissance man.
• Leonardo da Vinci: the artist and scientist.
• Leonardo da Vinci as the embodiment of the ideal of the Renaissance.
• Hieronymus Bosch and alternatives to the Christian worldview.
• Rembrandt and his portraits as stories about human life.
• Renaissance poetry as a history of personal feeling.
• Petrarch’s poetry and the embodiment of the ideas of humanism.
• Works of William Shakespeare through the prism of humanistic ideals.
• Shakespeare and the heroes fighting for their happiness and freedom.
• Renaissance music through religious to secular themes.
• The presence of realism and anatomy in Renaissance art.
• Linear perspective and light in Renaissance portraits.
• Formation of new genres and early realism in Renaissance literature.
• The difference between Renaissance realism and later stages in literature.
• Who created the term Renaissance and what does it mean?
• Gertrude and Ophelia in Shakespeare’s Hamlet Play .
• What cultural perceptions and beliefs are reflected in Renaissance art?
• What instruments were used for the creation of Renaissance paintings?
• Principles of Renaissance architecture and the styles of churches.
• Understanding nature and eternity in Renaissance works.
• The nude figure in Botticelli’s painting The Birth of Venus .
• Innocence and defenselessness against seduction in Renaissance paintings.
• The body as an object of beauty in Renaissance paintings.
• A series of self-portraits by the artist Domenico Ghirlandaio.
• Landscapes in early Dutch paintings in the Northern Renaissance.
• The flagellation of Jesus Christ by the Romans in Renaissance art.
• Perspectives of artists in Renaissance works.
• Shakespeare: Fading Away .

🏰 Renaissance Research Paper Topics: Architecture

• What makes Brunelleschi’s church buildings so unique?
• How would you describe the most distinguishing characteristic of Brunelleschi’s work?
• How much of an impact did Cimabue have on Renaissance architecture?
• Can you explain the distinction between the “Early Renaissance” and the “High Renaissance”?
• To what extent do these individuals exemplify the High Renaissance?
• How did the transition from Renaissance to Mannerism building style occur?
• Is the Pisa Cathedral an excellent example of Romanesque design in Tuscany?
• What role did the church have in shaping Renaissance design?
• What methods were used to spread Renaissance-style buildings across Italy?
• How did the Renaissance improve upon previous building techniques?
• In what ways did the styles of the Italian Renaissance’s buildings evolve?
• What factors led to the development of Renaissance architecture in Italy?
• Does the return to classical play a role in explaining the Renaissance?
• How did Gothic elements find their way into Renaissance buildings?
• What factors led to the growth of the Renaissance architectural style?
• The Renaissance period’s heavy reliance on Greek and Roman architectural styles.
• Can you explain the philosophical underpinnings of Renaissance design?
• How important was the first book dedicated to architecture?
• How did Roman architecture play a role in the development of the Italian Renaissance?
• What makes Tempietto the best of the High Renaissance?
• What did Venice contribute to Renaissance design?
• Where may these characteristics of Palladian architecture be shown in depictions?
• Who or what were the catalysts for the push toward Palladianism?
• For Renaissance architects, Vitruvius was essential to their growth.
• Where did the architects of the Renaissance get their ideas?
• The 15th-century renaissance style of architecture and its aftereffects on the modern world.
• Putting Renaissance design to work in the modern world.
• How did Renaissance architects accomplish such elegant simplicity in their works?
• Why did the Renaissance have such a blatantly violent style of building?
• If symmetry is so important, then what motivates Renaissance architects?
• In what ways were the five classical orders significant?
• How did the Renaissance influence building styles all around the world?
• Where did renaissance architecture have its start?
• What did renaissance architects focus on initially?
• Discuss the impact of socioeconomic stratification on Renaissance building styles.
• Europe’s rise and fall from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
• Why did the Medici family drive the growth of Italian architecture?
• Which buildings have been most obviously modeled by those of the Italian Renaissance?
• What was different about the Italian Mannerist movement from the traditional Renaissance?
• The history of the Vatican’s connection to Giulio Romano.
• How does Giulio Romano use deception in his artwork?
• Why did Giacomo della Porta draw on so many sources for his creations?
• How was Palladio’s version of classicism different from the norm?
• What changes does the Italian Renaissance bring to the architecture of the Baltic Sea?
• What aspects of the Renaissance did Western culture take on?
• Can it be said that Dürer’s art represents a new phase of the Renaissance?
• Which aspects of the Renaissance may be seen in some Postmodern buildings?
• Why did the Renaissance period prove so popular regarding secular structures in cities?
• Castle of Amboise: a product of the Renaissance?
• The critical role that guilds had in the development of Renaissance architecture.
• What were the effects of the Renaissance on the building trades?
• The influence of medieval theology on Renaissance humanism.
• How did Renaissance humanists respond to medieval scholasticism ?
• What role did literacy play in promoting humanism in the Renaissance period?
• Differences between medieval and Renaissance moral values.
• The goals of the Italian Renaissance humanists’ study of humanities.
• The development of poetry in the Renaissance.
• Humanism and Renaissance Period .
• The evolution of the studia humanitatis concept in the Italian Renaissance.
• What are the cultural causes of Renaissance humanism?
• What are the social causes of Renaissance humanism?
• What are the religious causes of Renaissance humanism?
• How did Christianity impact the principles of Renaissance humanism?
• What are the philosophical premises of Renaissance humanism?
• The similarities and differences between paganism and Renaissance.
• Renaissance humanists’ interpretation of Christianity via Epicureanism.
• The role of Neo-Platonism in the context of Renaissance theology.
• The opposition between humanistic and religious views in the period of the Renaissance.
• What are the implications of “Yates’s thesis” on scientific method development in the Renaissance?
• What role did the reformation play in the evolution of the Renaissance?
• Differences in Eugenio Garin’s and Paul Oskar Kristeller’s views on Renaissance.
• The manifestations of republicanism in Florence and Venice and the Baron thesis.
• Ideas of humanism in the British Reformation literature.
• Ideas of humanism in the British Reformation poetry.
• Ideas of humanism in Italian literature.
• Humanistic themes’ manifestation in the Dutch Renaissance literature
• Ideas of humanism in British Renaissance art.
• Ideas of humanism in Italian Renaissance art.
• Ideas of humanism in the Dutch Renaissance art.
• Human Nature in Philosophy of Locke and Hobbes .
• How did humanists promote civic virtue?
• The opposition between the church and humanists in Spain in the 16th century.
• Moral philosophy schools in Renaissance.
• Renaissance humanists’ beliefs about the importance of education.
• What role did Latin grammar and rhetoric play in the Renaissance’s perception of proper education?
• The contemporary cultural heritage of Renaissance humanism.
• The role of Ancient Greek philosophy in shaping Renaissance ideas.
• The role of Ancient Roman philosophy in shaping Renaissance ideas.
• Want is the meaning of a virtuous individual according to Renaissance humanism?
• Impact of antique literature on Renaissance humanistic doctrines.
• How did the church perceive the promotion of non-religious studies during the early Renaissance?
• Why is Dante Alighieri considered a founding father of the Renaissance?
• Why is Petrarch considered a founding father of the Renaissance?
• Why is Giovanni Boccaccio considered a founding father of the Renaissance?
• Humanistic motifs in Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy.
• Humanistic ideas in Petrarch’s poetry.
• Late humanism ideas in Giovanni Boccaccio’s Decameron.
• Impact of Dante’s terza rima on the poetry of the Renaissance.
• Impact of Boccaccio’s ottava rima on the poetry of the Renaissance.
• Desiderius Erasmus’ views on education in the context of the Renaissance.
• Why did humanists refer to Cicero as an example?
• Women in Shakespeare’s Richard III .
• How did the humanistic ideas of the Renaissance promote science development?
• The manifestations of humanism in Renaissance architecture.
• Why did Renaissance ideas lose their impact in the 16th century?
• Petrarch’s role in reaching an agreement between Christians and classics.
• Coexistence of astronomy and astrology during the Renaissance.
• Cardano’s Ars Magna as a significant contribution to the cubic equation theory.
• Role of Ferrari’s general solution to the quartic equation for the development of mathematics .
• François Viète’s contributions to the theory of equations.
• Regiomontanus’s contributions to the development of trigonometry.
• Role of logarithmic tables in the development of Renaissance mathematics.
• Copernicus’s points of evidence for the heliocentric theory.
• Brahe’s astronomical observations as the evidence of Kepler’s laws of planetary motion.
• Brahe’s arguments against Copernican theory and their impact on the development of astronomy.
• Role of Stevin’s findings for the development of Archimedean tradition in physics.
• Gilbert’s studies on magnetism and magnetic pole.
• Paracelsus’s innovative approach to applying chemistry to medicine .
• Development of Paracelsus’s concept of four elements.
• Alchemy’s challenges due to the development of chemistry in the Renaissance era.
• Role of illustration in establishing knowledge standards in botany during the Renaissance.
• The significance of dissection performances in the development of Renaissance anatomy studies.
• Leonhard Fuchs’s contributions to the development of botany.
• Lobelius’s role in the building classification system for herbs.
• Merian’s findings on metamorphosis in insects.
• Women’s contributions to the development of Renaissance science: the case of Maria Sibylla Merian.
• Role of the Renaissance medical schools in the advancements of animal anatomy.
• Harvey’s discoveries in the human anatomy.
• Harvey’s contribution to the explanation of pulmonary circulation.
• Harvey’s arguments for blood circulation in the human body.
• Gesner’s discoveries of exotic birds and animals.
• Vesalius’s contributions to the knowledge about the human body .
• Jean Fernel’s impact on the development of physiology .
• Relevance of Jean Fernel’s description of human body functions.
• Ambroise Paré’s role in the establishment of new surgery.
• Ambroise Paré’s developments in surgical instruments.
• Ambroise Paré’s contributions to the design of the prosthetics.
• Role of Renaissance mathematics in the development of navigation science.
• Effects of geographical discoveries on the advancements of Renaissance botany and zoology.
• Importance of Da Vinci’s studies on human eye vision.
• Da Vinci’s findings in human physiology.
• Da Vinci’s contribution to the submarine design.
• Role of Bologna and Padua universities in the development of linguistics .
• Reasons behind the increased interest in algebra among Renaissance students.
• Emerging humanities disciplines during the Italian Renaissance.
• The changes in the concept of the cosmos in European Renaissance philosophy.
• Role of geometry in the development of Renaissance urbanism.
• Implications of geometry in the development of Renaissance architecture.
• The significance of Renaissance scientific discoveries in the production of modernized weapons.
• Importance of printing technology emergence for the development of Renaissance science.
• Medici family’s contributions to the development of sciences in Italy.
• Importance of empiricism in the development of sciences during the Renaissance.
• Concept of harmony in Renaissance scientists’ studies of nature.
• Newton’s mathematical description of the motion.
• Newton’s contributions to the science of mechanics.
• D’Armato’s impact on the development of optics.
• Jansen’s early microscope and its contribution to studies in natural sciences .
• Masaccio’s contributions to the study of aerial perspective.
• Impact of the fall of Constantinople on European scientific discoveries.
• Scientific implications in Bramante’s High Renaissance architecture.
• The emergence of acoustic science and the development of polyphonic music during the Renaissance.
• Galileo’s contributions to the invention of the thermometer.
• Torricelli’s invention of the barometer and its role in the advancements in physics.
• Jean-Baptiste Denys’s experiments on blood transfusion and their role in the development of medicine.

➕ 60 More Renaissance Topics to Write About

• The reformation of the Church during the Renaissance period.
• Christian humanists and their impact on society of the fourteenth century.
• The influence of antiquity on art from the Renaissance era.
• Analysis of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
• Reasons behind the popularity of humanism in Italy during the early 14th century.
• The Medici family’s role and contributions to the development of the Renaissance movement.
• The analysis of the works and influence of Leonardo da Vinci.
• Shakespeare’s Hamlet Relation to Death and Life .
• What ideological changes separate the Middle Ages from the Renaissance era?
• The shifts in song topics between the thirteenth and the fourteenth centuries.
• How has the decreased role of the Church affected art?
• The causes of the Protestant Reformation during the 16th century.
• The public’s views on the Bible during the Renaissance era.
• What factors caused the Renaissance period to end?
• History of Alexander the Great .
• The importance of the geopolitical location of Italy in the spread of humanism.
• The impact of the Renaissance on western and Northern European countries.
• The emergence of the middle class during the Renaissance.
• The public’s perception of food as a marker of one’s social class in the 15th century.
• The political side of poetry in the Renaissance period.
• Donne’s and Marvell’s Stories Comparison .
• The comparison of the oratory skills of Renaissance and Antique philosophers.
• The return of classical architecture during the fourteenth century.
• The psychological portrait of a true Renaissance man.
• Portraits as symbols of social status during the Renaissance.
• Famous Italian Renaissance muses and their impact on art.
• The influence of Greece and Rome on the formation of the Renaissance.
• The shift of the public’s views on consumerism in the 14th century.
• Machiavelli’s “The Prince” and Bad Characters in Movies .
• Why Petrarch earned his title as the “father of humanism?”
• The role of women in Renaissance society.
• Prominent women of the Renaissance period and their influence on society.
• Realism in Renaissance-era sculptures and paintings.
• Raphael Sanzio’s works and how they reflect his era.
• Shakespeare’s Macbeth: Review of Tragedy .
• The prevalent trends among Renaissance writers.
• The views on morals during the Renaissance period.
• Machiavelli and his influence on politics during the 16th century.
• The expansion of educational programs in 15th-century Italy.
• The development of astronomy during the Renaissance.
• Common themes of English Renaissance poets.
• Western Ideologies – Journal on Each Philosopher.
• What northern traditions were incorporated into Renaissance art in the fifteenth century?
• The spread of Renaissance styles in European countries.
• Humanism-inspired social reforms in Northern Europe during the Renaissance period.
• How do the works of William Shakespeare reflect Renaissance values?
• How did the printing press help people spread humanism?
• Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”: Character Analysis on Public Speaking .
• Discoveries prompted by newly formed humanistic social values.
• The decreasing political power of the Church in the 16th century and its impact on politics.
• Issues of the Catholic Church during the Renaissance period.
• Martin Luther’s goals during the Reformation of the Church.
• How did the Renaissance lead to the establishment of the Inquisition?
• The rise of Protestantism in England during the 16th century.
• Death as the Mystery in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” .
• How do the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci reflect humanistic values?
• Why is the Renaissance era also called the Age of Discovery?
• Renaissance philosophers and their inspiration from the Ancient period.
• What are the distinct qualities of the High Renaissance period?
• The Challenge of Adapting the Plays of Shakespeare into West Side Story and Kiss Me Kate, and Problems Posed by the Hays Code .

Most probably, any history course about Renaissance will require students to write an essay on the period. You can choose an idea for your paper by browsing the above topics. As for the writing itself, in this section, we’ll explain how to nail a Renaissance essay.

• Study your topic. When you get a task or pick a paper idea, take time to understand what you’re dealing with. Read it out loud and pay attention to specific keywords such as “explain,” “discuss,” and “analyze.” These words tell you what approach you need to take in defending or exploring your viewpoint. Then, do some preliminary research to understand the Renaissance topic and what it entails.
• Be careful in your research. With so many sources about Renaissance, you should focus only on the materials that are relevant to you. Imagining the scope of work will set realistic expectations for you. So, identify what literature is available to you and what areas lack information. Keep in mind that you need only trustworthy sources for your paper. You can start your research from websites like Renaissance.com and History.com – they will lead you to credible materials.
• First, you can write a linear plan , which is helpful for papers with a rigid structure. Here, you offer a breakdown of your points in chronological order. For instance, if you are going to give an account of some events, this method will be excellent.
• Second, you can try creating a tabular plan . It is the best for comparative assignments and if you need to visualize data. For example, when examining two Renaissance artists, you will find a tabular plan convenient. It’s the central message of your paper that will lead both the argumentation and the readers.
• Create your first draft. Now you can start writing your essay. Ensure your first draft has an introduction with a thesis statement and a clear purpose. Then, write at least two body paragraphs demonstrating your points and supporting evidence. Finally, your conclusion should reflect the first paragraph and summarize your arguments.
• Double-check and proofread. This last step will determine how polished and well-written your Renaissance essay is. Scan the whole paper slowly and carefully. Ask someone to read it for you or use our text-to-speech tool . It is a great way to “hear” your writing to determine what needs to be fixed or changed. Maybe you repeat some words too often, or something isn’t clear. Afterward, check for grammar and punctuation mistakes.

Thank you for reading the article to the very end! We hope you found it helpful, and all the best with finding the best Renaissance essay topic that works for you.

• Renaissance: Definition, Meaning, History, Artists, Art, & Facts – Britannica
• Renaissance Philosophy — Internet Encyclopedia of Phylosophy
• General Characteristics of the Renaissance – Brooklyn College
• Color in Renaissance Painting — The J. Paul Getty Museum
• Architecture in Renaissance Italy – The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• A Guide to Renaissance Humanism – ThoughtCo
• Humanism in Art: A Guide to Renaissance Humanism – MasterClass

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Gender pay gap in U.S. hasn’t changed much in two decades

The gender gap in pay has remained relatively stable in the United States over the past 20 years or so. In 2022, women earned an average of 82% of what men earned, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of median hourly earnings of both full- and part-time workers. These results are similar to where the pay gap stood in 2002, when women earned 80% as much as men.

As has long been the case, the wage gap is smaller for workers ages 25 to 34 than for all workers 16 and older. In 2022, women ages 25 to 34 earned an average of 92 cents for every dollar earned by a man in the same age group – an 8-cent gap. By comparison, the gender pay gap among workers of all ages that year was 18 cents.

While the gender pay gap has not changed much in the last two decades, it has narrowed considerably when looking at the longer term, both among all workers ages 16 and older and among those ages 25 to 34. The estimated 18-cent gender pay gap among all workers in 2022 was down from 35 cents in 1982. And the 8-cent gap among workers ages 25 to 34 in 2022 was down from a 26-cent gap four decades earlier.

The gender pay gap measures the difference in median hourly earnings between men and women who work full or part time in the United States. Pew Research Center’s estimate of the pay gap is based on an analysis of Current Population Survey (CPS) monthly outgoing rotation group files ( IPUMS ) from January 1982 to December 2022, combined to create annual files. To understand how we calculate the gender pay gap, read our 2013 post, “How Pew Research Center measured the gender pay gap.”

The COVID-19 outbreak affected data collection efforts by the U.S. government in its surveys, especially in 2020 and 2021, limiting in-person data collection and affecting response rates. It is possible that some measures of economic outcomes and how they vary across demographic groups are affected by these changes in data collection.

In addition to findings about the gender wage gap, this analysis includes information from a Pew Research Center survey about the perceived reasons for the pay gap, as well as the pressures and career goals of U.S. men and women. The survey was conducted among 5,098 adults and includes a subset of questions asked only for 2,048 adults who are employed part time or full time, from Oct. 10-16, 2022. Everyone who took part is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

Here are the questions used in this analysis, along with responses, and its methodology .

The  U.S. Census Bureau has also analyzed the gender pay gap, though its analysis looks only at full-time workers (as opposed to full- and part-time workers). In 2021, full-time, year-round working women earned 84% of what their male counterparts earned, on average, according to the Census Bureau’s most recent analysis.

Much of the gender pay gap has been explained by measurable factors such as educational attainment, occupational segregation and work experience. The narrowing of the gap over the long term is attributable in large part to gains women have made in each of these dimensions.

Related: The Enduring Grip of the Gender Pay Gap

Even though women have increased their presence in higher-paying jobs traditionally dominated by men, such as professional and managerial positions, women as a whole continue to be overrepresented in lower-paying occupations relative to their share of the workforce. This may contribute to gender differences in pay.

Other factors that are difficult to measure, including gender discrimination, may also contribute to the ongoing wage discrepancy.

Perceived reasons for the gender wage gap

When asked about the factors that may play a role in the gender wage gap, half of U.S. adults point to women being treated differently by employers as a major reason, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in October 2022. Smaller shares point to women making different choices about how to balance work and family (42%) and working in jobs that pay less (34%).

There are some notable differences between men and women in views of what’s behind the gender wage gap. Women are much more likely than men (61% vs. 37%) to say a major reason for the gap is that employers treat women differently. And while 45% of women say a major factor is that women make different choices about how to balance work and family, men are slightly less likely to hold that view (40% say this).

Parents with children younger than 18 in the household are more likely than those who don’t have young kids at home (48% vs. 40%) to say a major reason for the pay gap is the choices that women make about how to balance family and work. On this question, differences by parental status are evident among both men and women.

Views about reasons for the gender wage gap also differ by party. About two-thirds of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents (68%) say a major factor behind wage differences is that employers treat women differently, but far fewer Republicans and Republican leaners (30%) say the same. Conversely, Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say women’s choices about how to balance family and work (50% vs. 36%) and their tendency to work in jobs that pay less (39% vs. 30%) are major reasons why women earn less than men.

Democratic and Republican women are more likely than their male counterparts in the same party to say a major reason for the gender wage gap is that employers treat women differently. About three-quarters of Democratic women (76%) say this, compared with 59% of Democratic men. And while 43% of Republican women say unequal treatment by employers is a major reason for the gender wage gap, just 18% of GOP men share that view.

Pressures facing working women and men

Family caregiving responsibilities bring different pressures for working women and men, and research has shown that being a mother can reduce women’s earnings , while fatherhood can increase men’s earnings .

Employed women and men are about equally likely to say they feel a great deal of pressure to support their family financially and to be successful in their jobs and careers, according to the Center’s October survey. But women, and particularly working mothers, are more likely than men to say they feel a great deal of pressure to focus on responsibilities at home.

About half of employed women (48%) report feeling a great deal of pressure to focus on their responsibilities at home, compared with 35% of employed men. Among working mothers with children younger than 18 in the household, two-thirds (67%) say the same, compared with 45% of working dads.

When it comes to supporting their family financially, similar shares of working moms and dads (57% vs. 62%) report they feel a great deal of pressure, but this is driven mainly by the large share of unmarried working mothers who say they feel a great deal of pressure in this regard (77%). Among those who are married, working dads are far more likely than working moms (60% vs. 43%) to say they feel a great deal of pressure to support their family financially. (There were not enough unmarried working fathers in the sample to analyze separately.)

About four-in-ten working parents say they feel a great deal of pressure to be successful at their job or career. These findings don’t differ by gender.

Gender differences in job roles, aspirations

Overall, a quarter of employed U.S. adults say they are currently the boss or one of the top managers where they work, according to the Center’s survey. Another 33% say they are not currently the boss but would like to be in the future, while 41% are not and do not aspire to be the boss or one of the top managers.

Men are more likely than women to be a boss or a top manager where they work (28% vs. 21%). This is especially the case among employed fathers, 35% of whom say they are the boss or one of the top managers where they work. (The varying attitudes between fathers and men without children at least partly reflect differences in marital status and educational attainment between the two groups.)

In addition to being less likely than men to say they are currently the boss or a top manager at work, women are also more likely to say they wouldn’t want to be in this type of position in the future. More than four-in-ten employed women (46%) say this, compared with 37% of men. Similar shares of men (35%) and women (31%) say they are not currently the boss but would like to be one day. These patterns are similar among parents.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published on March 22, 2019. Anna Brown and former Pew Research Center writer/editor Amanda Barroso contributed to an earlier version of this analysis. Here are the questions used in this analysis, along with responses, and its methodology .

What is the gender wage gap in your metropolitan area? Find out with our pay gap calculator

• Gender & Work
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Women have gained ground in the nation’s highest-paying occupations, but still lag behind men

Diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, the enduring grip of the gender pay gap, more than twice as many americans support than oppose the #metoo movement, women now outnumber men in the u.s. college-educated labor force, most popular.

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