Medieval: Early Period (750-1000 CE)

The early medieval world view is generally considered to have been conservative -- that is, resistant to change and experimentation. Living conditions during this time were harsh and life was uncertain, threatened by violence or epidemic disease. Thus, the arts did not flourish except in isolated places and for relatively short periods of time. Very little monumental architecture or large sculpture was created, for these arts demand not only resources but a kind of optimism that such efforts are worth it. There was not even much church-building, even among Christian societies, partly because some expected the end of the world at the year 1000, and partly because mauraders had consistently burned wooden-roofed churches. The real turning point did not come until the middle of the 11th century when most invasions had come to an end (and the invaders converted) and the economic life of Europe had improved.

	Artwork of Migratory Peoples
	Celtic Art
	Carolingian Art