The Early Middle Ages document summarizes artistic and architectural developments in Europe between the 5th-12th centuries. It describes how the Anglo-Saxons created brooches and gospel books like the Lindisfarne Gospels in the 5th-7th centuries in Britain. It also discusses how the Franks rose to power under Charlemagne in the 8th century and established Lorsch Abbey. The Carolingian Empire dominated Europe from 800-888 and built landmarks like the Palatine Chapel at Aachen. Monasteries grew in importance during this time as centers of learning and art, exemplified by St. Gall Monastery in Switzerland.

1. The Early Middle Ages

2. The Anglo-Saxons in Britain
5th-7th c.

4. The Animal Style

5. Brooch, 6th c.

7. Purse Cover, 620s

8. Gospel Books

9. The Lindisfarne Gospels, c. 698

15. The Book of Kells
Celtic, c. 800

16. The Book of Matthew (Xi Rho Iota)

18. The Book of John

19. St. John the Evangelist

20. Christ Enthroned

26. The Franks

27. Statue of Charlemagne, early 9th c.
Frankish King, 768-814, Emperor from 800

28. Lorsch Abbey, est. 764

29. Gateway of Lorsch Abbey, 774

30. Compare: The Arch of Constantine, 312

31. The Lorsch Gospels
(Codex Aureus)
778-820

37. The Carolingian Empire
800-888

39. The Palatine Chapel, Aachen
Built 796-814

45. Monasticism

46. St. Gall Monastery, Switzerland, c. 820

47. Cuxa Cloister
from the Abbey of St.-Michel-de-Cuxa
France, mid-12th c.

55. Carolingian Art

56. Codex Aureus of St. Emmeram
9th c.

58. Compare: Frankish Brooch, 650-725

61. Ivory Bucket for Holy Water, 860s-70s

62. Plaque with Personification of the
Moon, 9th c.

63. Ivory Plaques

64. St. John the Evangelist, early 9th c.

67. Emmaus Scenes, late 9th c.

71. Christ and the Apostles, late 9th c.

72. The Virgin Mary as a Personification of
the Church, 9th c.