Spectacles were a major medical advancement in the Middle
Ages
Clock
The invention of the clock provided a closer structure to
daily life
Hour glass
The Hour-glass was a timekeeping instrument invented in
the Middle Ages
Paper
Paper was introduced in the 1200's
Numbering System
The roman numerals were replaced by the Arabs numbering
system in the Middle Ages
Minute Glass
Minute-glass was another timekeeping instrument invented
in the Middle Ages
Printing Press
the printing press was invented in the mid 1400's
Sun dial
The Sun-dial was another timekeeping instrument invented
in the Middle Ages
Compass
The compass enabled Renaissance sailors and explorers to
find their bearing in the fog
Traverse Boards
Traverse boards were navigation instruments, an older
version of the Astrolabe
Astrolabes
Middle Ages invention of the astrolabe was
used for used for astronomical purposes and calculating latitudes
Cross-staffs
Cross-staffs were used to measure the angle of the Sun or
a star above the horizon
Nocturnals
Nocturnals were inventions used for measuring and
timekeeping instrument
Quadrants
Quadrants were used for measuring and timekeeping
instrument
Almanacs
Almanacs forecast precisely where the the sun, moon,
planets and selected navigational stars, are going to be, hour by hour, for
years into the future
Oars
The use of oars made the galley ships redundant allowing
movement into the open seas
The Rudder
Rudder enabled use of Wind and Water Power
Artesian wells
The invention of Artesian wells eliminated the need
for pumping
Mills
Mills were built to pump water, grind grain, and crush ore
Windmills
The invention of the windmill harnessed wind power
Wheelbarrow
The invention of the wheelbarrow allowed faster movement
of heavy loads
Horseshoes
The invention of horseshoes
Horsecollar
The invention of the horsecollar increased farming
efficiency in the Middle Ages
Moldboard Plough
The invention of the Moldboard turning plough increased
farming efficiency in the Middle Ages
Stirrups
Stirrups gave the rider greater control and give him
greater leverage when swinging his sword or thrusting his lance
The Bit and Bridle
The Bit and Bridle was used for controlling the massive
destrier warhorses
The high-backed saddle
The high-backed saddle gave Medieval knights great
leverage
Siege weapons
Siege weapon inventions were brought from the crusades to
Europe and changed Medieval warfare
The Lance
The Lance was long, strong, spear-like weapon, designed
for use for knights on horseback
The Longbow
The invention of the longbow enable skilled English
longbowman could release between 10 - 12 arrows per minute
The Crossbow
The Middle Ages invention of the crossbow applied
engineering to the short bow
The Flail
The invention of the Flail was used as armor-fighting
weapons
Chainmail
Chainmail armor was further developed in the Middle Ages
providing protection against being cut by the opponents blade
Armor
A Medieval knights armor was invented and developed to
protect them from the lethal weapons used in the Middle Ages
Medieval
Architecture
Medieval Architecture featured different styles which were called Romanesque,
the French Style, Perpendicular style both more commonly as Gothic architecture
Characteristics
of different types of Medieval Architecture
The characteristics of the different types of Medieval Architecture are as
follows:
Romanesque
Architecture - 1066 to 1200 - Romanesque architecture is characterized by
round arches and vaults and by the substitution of piers for columns.
Romanesque architects and builders generally used round arches and only very
occasionally employed slightly pointed ones.
Gothic
Architecture - 1200 to 1500 - Gothic architecture is characterized by
stained-glass windows, gargoyles, flying buttresses, tall spires, turrets
and pointed arches.
Romanesque
architecture was the name given to the style of architecture used in very early
Middle Ages when much of these developments were pioneered by the Normans and
their prolific castle building. Romanesque Architecture was succeeded by
Gothic, or Perpendicular style of architecture of the later Middle Ages (1066 -
1485).
Medieval
Architecture - Romanesque Architecture
The early Middle Ages saw the emergence of Romanesque architecture. Romanesque
Architecture is the term which is used to describe the building styles which
were used between 800 - 1100AD. The name of this style of Middle Ages
architecture leads to the immediate association with this style of architecture
is with the Roman Empire. The reason for this association are the similarities
between Roman Architecture especially the Roman 'barrel vault' and the Roman
arch. The Middle Ages Romanesque Architecture was the first major style of
architecture to be developed after the collapse of the Roman Empire.
The
Romanesque Architecture of the Middle Ages can be defined as having the
following features:
Stone
used in Romanesque architecture was cut with precision
The use
of the Roman arch led to the stone being supported in the middle by the
arch construction
Buttresses
were introduced as a means of support to the basic design in Romanesque
architecture in Medieval Times
The
vault was developed to enable the construction of stone roofs. Barrel or
Tunnel Vaults - consisted of a continuous surface of semicircular or
pointed sections resembling a barrel or tunnel which has been cut in half
lengthwise. Groin Vaults were produced by the intersection, at right
angles of two barrel vaults. The arches of groin vaults were either
pointed or round
Gothic
Architecture
The later Middle Ages saw the emergence of Gothic style architecture. Gothic or
Perpendicular Architecture is the term which is used to describe the building
styles which were used between 1200 - 1500AD. Middle Ages Gothic architecture
and decoration originally emerged in France. It was initially called "The
French Style".
Gothic
Architecture - Defining Features
The Romanesque Architecture of the Middle Ages can be defined as having the
following features:
The use
of the Gothic arch led to the construction of light and airy structures -
lightening and heightening of Gothic structures
Wider
window openings
Gothic
Rose Windows
Flying
buttresses
An
increased number of towers
Decorative
designs and sculptures including Gargoyles
Gothic
Architecture - The Pointed Gothic arch
The Medieval Gothic Arch was a major feature of Middle Ages architecture. The
Medieval architects and builders discovered the amazing strength and stability
of using pointed arches. The walls of Gothic buildings could be thinner than
previous styles of architecture because the weight of the roof was supported by
the arches rather than by the walls. The pointed Gothic arch provided greater
flexibility could also span greater distances, allowing vaults to be
taller and wider. Thinner walls had wider window openings which encouraged the
use of stained glass and the distinctive Gothic Rose Windows.