Church
Back in the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church was a big deal. The majority of Europe at the time was Catholic. It was the only unifying source in Europe. Soon, cathedrals, or churches, started popping up across towns in Europe. The Pope led the Church and made all of the major decisions. He was the one who gave the kings their land. Speaking out against the church could get you in a lot of trouble. They could excommunicate you, this meant that you would be excluded from all church practices, you could even be killed.
Near the end of the Middle Ages, the Church started losing power. Soon kings started to get enough power to challenge the Pope. The Kings would start to go against the Pope. One king once got excommunicated, this king was Henry IV. He stood outside in the cold for three days until the Pope changed his mind. After that, Henry attacked the Vatican. By the end of the Middle Ages, the Church lost most of its power.
Near the end of the Middle Ages, the Church started losing power. Soon kings started to get enough power to challenge the Pope. The Kings would start to go against the Pope. One king once got excommunicated, this king was Henry IV. He stood outside in the cold for three days until the Pope changed his mind. After that, Henry attacked the Vatican. By the end of the Middle Ages, the Church lost most of its power.
A Medieval cathedral
A Gothic cathedral
A bishop