The abstract made concrete: the allegory

Medieval civilisation was based on the belief that the life of the soul after death is the real one and that the earthly life is just a period of preparation for it. The medieval world was full of meaning in wich everyone had to play a role he had been assigned. The medieval mind worked with allegory, that is the transformation of an abstract element into reality. This world was rapresented by medieval art, in all its form.it didn't reproduce what the eyes seen, but what the mind perceived. For instance, if a king was as tall as the wall of his castle, he was more important than it.

Feudal ties

The normans introduced the feudal system into england.the feudalism was a method of organising society. In this organisation there were several fees, land held in exchange for duty or service to a lord. Land could be held 'in fee' wich meant 'in return for labour'.

The king was the owner of all land, but this was held by others, the vassals.the chief vassals, the barons, in turn created other vassals, the knights and the villains. In thi organisation a man had to promise loyalty and service to his lord.this promise was called HOMAGE.