- published: 26 Jun 2014
- views: 6181
As a means of recording the passage of time, the 12th century is the period from 1101 to 1200 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Common Era. In the history of European culture, this period is considered part of the High Middle Ages and is sometimes called the Age of the Cistercians. In Song Dynasty China an invasion by Jurchens causes a political schism of north and south. The first ever known use and implementation of gunpowder weapons such as bombs, rockets, and cannons were first recorded in the Song Dynasty. The Khmer Empire of Cambodia flourished during this century, while the Fatimids of Egypt were overtaken by the Ayyubid dynasty.
Christian humanism becomes a self-conscious philosophical tendency in Europe. Christianity is introduced to Estonia, Finland, and Karelia. The first European universities are founded. Pierre Abelard teaches. Middle English begins to develop, and literacy begins to spread outside the Church. In addition, churchmen are increasingly willing to take on secular roles- by the end of the century, at least a third of England's bishops also act as royal judges in secular matters. The Ars antiqua period in the history of Western European music begins. Durham Cathedral in England is completed and the earliest recorded miracle play is performed in Dunstable, England. Gothic Architecture and trouvère music begin in France. In the mid-12th century, the Cappella Palatina is built in Palermo, Sicily and the Madrid Skylitzes manuscript illustrates the Synopsis of Histories by John Skylitzes. Fire & plague insurance first become available in Iceland, and the first documented outbreaks of influenza occur. The medieval Serbian state is formed by Stefan Nemanja and continued by the Nemanjić dynasty. By the end of the century, both the Capetian Dynasty and the House of Anjou are relying primarily on mercenaries in their militaries. Paid soldiers are available year-round, unlike knights who expect certain periods off to maintain their manors.
(Gold/Lloyd/Echolette)
In the beginning
There was no light
No teenage heaven or hell
No songs or voices came from across the outlands
Where oceans are meant to be -- where oceans are meant to be
Oh my God, I feel so alone -- some million lightyears far from home
HOW ABOUT YOU LIVING IN THE 20TH CENTURY
You can halt your car to get your tickets to the starlite skies, you know...
Ev'rybody wants to come home (what a dream)
So, if you don't mind,
Will you join me?
On my way through the eye
up to the light