Carolingian-750-1000 AD

Nomadic tribes warred and concurred, Small villages were settled in, central of the feudal castle, feudal lord ruler of that village.Towards the end of 700 AD, King Charlemagne, ruler of “The Franks”, achieves power and influence, recapturing some glory of Rome.

Reconstitutes cultural life. Succeeds France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Has himself crowned on Christmas day, as the Emperor of the holy Roman Empire. New cultural tradition, revived classical idea’s, scholars, artists, musicans. Through this illuminated manuscripts and Christian art started. (parchment writings on heavy paper).

After the death of King Charlemagne, next dark age begins…

The Barbarians

The typical Barbarian man wore a tunic made of roughly woven fabric, some were striped/checked and with borders. (some of the  worlds first tartans) legging’s (Breeches) a leather breast plate, cloak made from animal fur/skin and attached at the shoulder. Hair was worn long, a beard and horned helmets were worn.

Barbarian women wore a tunic style, semi fitted, with long sleeves. Also a apron over the top could be worn. A cloak/ mantle attached with broach. Woven cloth slippers. Hair was worn long and plated

The Romanesque 1000-1150 AD

Drawing close to the year 1000, right across Europe, came judgement day. People were scared of the end of the world, relieved nothing happened, this kicks off new energy, hope and the end of dark ages.

Romanesque style esthic was simple, long, textured fabric, heavy coarse wool, fine wool , linen and fur. Colours were blue, red, yellow, green. Motifs, stripes, checks, tartans-”plaids” and interlacing. Romanesque man wore a tunic made from roughly woven wool, more sophisticated dress and from better quality fabrics.

Long  sleeves in the tunic and a belt at the waist. Breeches and leggings were also worn, and cloak/ mantle. Soft leather shoes/ boots. Men were clean shaven and with short hair.

A small metal band was worn on the head as a headdress. Chain mail also becoming worn and cloaks also gained a hood, small scalloped cloak over the top.

“Liripipe” is the long tail on the cloak.

Women wore an under and over tunic, two layers, long sleeves (like Dalmatic sleeves). An under shirt was also worn, made from soft linen, “Calmisa” or “chemise”. Wearing of fabric, cloth on the head  was called a “cover chief”. A new innovation, brought back from the east, first laced garment “Bliaut” , laced down the back and sides. This was fitted without darts, “cote”, wide sleeve over  tunic, “surcote”.

The “gorget” was also a head covering, “wimple” over the top.

Gothic Periods

Era: Early gothic, 1150-1325AD  Late Gothic 1425-1485 AD

The whole cultural outlook was different to the Romanesque period, “static”- fugal. The crusaders were travelling and experiencing different things. Importing, food, dyes, silk, metal wear, rugs. Class of towns included men, commerce, New class, “middle class”

Group guilds, important in controlling, workmanship, good quality, charge. Money was more commonly used instead of bartering. Venice, trade ideal shipping, Florence, prospering in trade. ( Renaissance starting to begin)

There came a class system, levels. The Gothic period was named after The Goths who invaded Rome. The Architecture changed, churches and God important, reaching up to heaven.

Domes, Arches, steeples, all pointing up. ( Hats included)

Motifs / ornaments, main four designs,

• Pointed Arch
• Trefoil (flags and banners)
• Quatrefoil
• Crockets
• Fluer de lys
• “Heraldic Devices”,
• coat of arms ,family name.

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