Document 6

Source: J. D. Mansi, ed., Sacrorum Conciliorum Nova et Amplissima Collectio, (Paris: H.

Welter, 1901), Vol. VIII, pp. 325, 329; reprinted in Roy C. Cave & Herbert H. Coulson,
eds., A Source Book for Medieval Economic History,(Milwaukee: The Bruce Publishing
Co., 1936; reprint ed., New York: Biblo & Tannen, 1965), pp. 280-281.

7. Concerning slaves of the Church, if any bishop shall reasonably have bestowed liberty
freely upon well-deserving cases, it is pleasing that the liberty conferred should be cared
for by his successors, with whatever the manumitter conferred on them in granting
liberty; yet nevertheless we order him to give them the sum of twenty solidi and to set
bounds to their lands, little vineyards, or house. Whatever was given above this the
Church will revoke after the death of the manumitter. But little things, or things less
useful to the Church, to pilgrims, or to the clergy, we permit to remain for their use,
saving the right of the Church.

Summary: This document discusses slavery during the Middle Ages,

and the instances in which freedom could be bestowed upon a slave.
Document Reference: This excerpt from The Medieval Sourcebook
describes slavery in the 12th and 13th century, and the conditions in
which a person could escape from it.
http://legacy.fordham.edu/halsall/source/506agdechurchslaves.asp

Document 5
Source: Bondone, Giotto. The Adoration of the Magi. c1320. Metropolitan
museum of art, Manhattan. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Web. 22 May
2015.

Summary:

This piece, painted by Giotto Bondone, depicts a

motherly Mary and baby Jesus, surrounded by angels and the Magi
presenting him with gifts, shortly after the Messiahs birth.
POV: Giotto, who lived within the lifespan of Dante Alighieri, was
greatly exposed to the stronghold of Christianity during his time period.
Like most art during the medieval and renaissance periods, Giottos
work was greatly influenced by the bible.
http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collectiononline/search/436504

Document 7
Source: J. D. Mansi, ed., Sacrorum Conciliorum Nova et Amplissima Collectio,
(Paris: H. Welter, 1902), Vol. XV, p. 876; reprinted in Roy C. Cave & Herbert H.
Coulson, A Source Book for Medieval Economic History, (Milwaukee: The Bruce
Publishing Co., 1936; reprint ed., New York: Biblo & Tannen, 1965), p. 285.

To prevent the murder of slaves severe penances were inflicted by the Council of Worms.
In the second instance below, female serfs or slaves were given some protection against
the jealousy of suspicious wives.
38. If any one shall kill his own slave without the knowledge of the judges---a slave who
has committed such thing as may be worthy of death---he shall emend the guilt of blood
by excommunication or by a penance for two years.
39. If any woman incensed by a fit of jealousy should beat her slave, so that within three
days she [the slave] should die in torment, so that it be uncertain whether she killed her
intentionally or by accident, she shall do lawful penance for five years, if it be by chance,
but for seven years if she do it intentionally.
Summary: This excerpt describes a few of the laws that were placed to prevent the
deaths of slaves, and give them a small amount of protection. They also provided some
protection to women, in the case of being beat by another jealous woman.
Document reference: A Source Book for Medieval Economic History provides insight on
the medieval economy and other laws and regulations, such as these, which inform us
about slavery at the time.
http://legacy.fordham.edu/halsall/source/876Worms.asp

Document 8
Source: J. P. Migne, ed., Patrologiae Cursus Completus, (Paris, 1855), Vol. CCXV,
pp. 501-503; reprinted in Roy C. Cave & Herbert H. Coulson, A Source Book for
Medieval Economic History, (Milwaukee: The Bruce Publishing Co., 1936; reprint
ed., New York: Biblo & Tannen, 1965), pp. 301-302.
Letter of the Pope to King Philip Augustus of France:
Moreover, although it has been decreed by the Lateran Council that Jews should not be
allowed to have Christian slaves in their houses, either under pretext of nursing their
children, or as servants, or for any other reason whatsoever, but that those who presume
to live with them should be excommunicated, yet they do not hesitate to have Christian
servants and nurses, upon whom they sometimes practice abominations such as it rather
becomes you to punish than us to point out.

Summary: In this letter to King Phillip of France, c. 1204, the pope discusses the matter
of Jews enslaving Christians. Jews were not allowed to have Christian slaves.
Document Reference: In his letters to King Philip Augustus of France, the Pope
discusses numerous political and religious matters, including this excerpt about the ban
on enslavement of Christians by Jewish people.
POV: The pope, possessing a large amount of political and religious influence, would
have been very favorable of the Christian people. Jews however, were a minority, and not
favored by the Catholic Church.

http://legacy.fordham.edu/halsall/source/1204Jewslave.asp