The Culture Epoch Theory
According to the cultural epoch theory, a majority of individuals throughout a specific time period establish culture as a result of how they view the world. Philosophers, physicists, and theologians in the civilization gave reality an understanding that was later shared throughout the period at various points in history. According to this view, society goes through a cyclical process of chaos, adaptation, and balance that repeats itself over time.
It has been established that all three stages can be found in all societies throughout history. The quick chaos that ensued and the way the society fought to achieve some balance during the middle ages, also known as the medieval period, can be used to evaluate how the culture epoch theory came into being. During this time, literature and art were utilized to document history and explain to upcoming generations what happened during each Middle Age.
Chaos
It is the role of creative thinkers to provide guidance on what should be understood as reality when society goes through a process of change in its search of reality. This sense of purpose was introduced by the creative thinkers, and it quickly became ingrained in the culture of repercussions for deviation. Several modifications take place to bring in the new culture as it makes adjustments to adapt into the society. Religious ideas and educational philosophies are modified as a result of the creation of norms by society. Over time, the culture descends into disorder as a result of the adjustment process (Lea 12).
A prime example of the instability in the middle centuries is the collapse of Rome. The Roman Empire ruled over Europe for a very long time, but its hegemony eventually came to an end. The Roman Empire had created a culture that supported open leadership and conquest as the foundations for its control. Conflicts gradually weakened the Roman Empire’s leadership, making it vulnerable and simple to capture. The army was weakened as a result of the empire’s numerous conflicts, which increased political corruption and financial mismanagement. As a result of the empire’s technical stagnation, their rivals were able to develop more advanced technology, which strengthened them. A chaotic society was finally brought about by a number of variables connected to leadership, The military strategy used to overthrow the Roman Empire was the Zvolen Castle. The time between the fall of Rome and the Renaissance is best captured in the statue of Augustus of Prima Porta. The other endemic that significantly reduced the population throughout the Middle Ages was the Black Death. The plaque that killed several people in Europe is best described in Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” poem (Lea 28). There are many theories as to what caused the Black Death, but one of its effects was a decrease in the number of workers employed in farming. As Jews were held responsible for the murders and the Catholic Church lost some of its monopolies, antisemitism spread.
Adjustment
Adjustment is the time following upheaval and confusion when individuals are looking for stability. Innovative thinkers develop fresh concepts during the adjustment period with the intention of fostering peace and establishing a new culture. Thinkers, like painters and authors, examine problems and offer a fresh route that could be taken to firmly establish a new civilization. The concepts are reshaped and new philosophies are developed with the assistance of other parties, including politicians and intellectuals, with the hope of eventually restoring order. It is because of their efforts that a new reality emerges and that individuals form new cultural beliefs. In the Middle Ages, as society came to terms with the existence of God, the Catholic Church grew, along with cities and academic institutions.
The Culture Epoch Theory
The Middle Ages’ period of adjustment is represented by the Romanesque, when building served as a means of expressing it. The church was growing at this time, and its importance was greatly recognized in the role it was playing in reestablishing stability. Churches had to be constructed, and the best church designs in Europe were created using Romanesque architecture. Semicircular arches were used for windows and doors in this style of architecture, and masonry was introduced to replace wood to protect structures from fire (Lea 48). Many churches were constructed using Romanesque architecture during the age of adjustment, which was characterized by scientific advancement in the field of architecture. Role.
Balance
Balance is a time of harmony and tranquility during which society can advance. All of the social institutions are in concord during this time. The new ideas and beliefs introduced to guide society have brought about a return to order, and people now fully accept the new reality. People can have fulfilling lives because there are no obstacles preventing the emergence of fresh ideas, which otherwise may cause anarchy. Even if new ideas are coming up challenging the already established ideas, it is done in a manner that does not lead to conflict but enhances the current harmony and peace in the society (Lea 56).
Following Romanesque, when architecture had improved and better structures were designed, was the gothic era. The gothic era offered stability, allowing for the advancement of both knowledge and artistic creation. Cathedrals, grand churches, and public buildings are a few examples of gothic-style constructions. People were able to exhibit their creativity and talents through this type of architecture. The significance of this innovation throughout the medieval period is demonstrated by the fact that such building was intended for sacred and important locations (Lea 62). These types of buildings could not be destroyed because of the serenity that existed because of the balance that existed where there was order. English gothic is exemplified by the Salisbury Cathedral.
