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Feudalism and the Middle Ages. Key Words.
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Key Words Feudalism – The system of political organization prevailing Europe from the 9th to about 15 centuries having as its basis the relation of lords granting parcels of land known as fiefs to lesser knights who are known as vassals, who in turn, provided military service to the lord. Manorialism – Smallest economic social unit revolving around an estate, controlled by a lord, who gives land and protection to his serfs, who in turn give him their service.
European Feudalism King • What are the roles of the two ?’s • What structures of power and order must be in place to keep the triangle in order? ? Knight ?
European Middle Ages • Middle Ages – Era of European history from 500 A.D. to 1500 A.D. New institutions slowly emerged to replace the old & crumbling Roman Empire. • Also called the Dark Ages…Why? Disruption of Trade Germanic invaders break-up the Roman trading system Loss of a common language due to mixing of Latin, German and Greek; Now there is no unified language Downfall of Cities Cities were abandoned as centers of administration and people began moving to the country-side Decline of learning; Greek & Roman culture was no longer valued Population Shifts Nobles and common people retreated to rural areas This left cities empty and without leadership • Meanwhile, civilizations flourished in China and Southwest Asia.
A New Form of Government Emerges • This “new government” was a series of unwritten laws and traditions • Passed from generation to generation by word-of-mouth. • Part of this “new government” consisted of loosely connected provinces that were lead bywarriors. • Each of these provinces had faithful followers that pledged to fight to the death for their leader, and their land. • Clovis, a Germanic leader, led a province called Gaul. • Under his leadership the Franks begins to dominate in central Europe. Once Clovis defeats the last remaining Germanic army, he partners with the Roman church and Clovis is the un-official leader of central Europe. • Another aspect of this “new government” was the power the church had. • As these new kingdoms emerge, the Pope began to assert his influence on the kingdom…Soon, the Pope was making (or influencing) most major decisions of the kingdoms.
Carolingian Dynasty One of the most powerful dynasties to rule Western Europe. • Pepin the Short – Created a greatly strengthened kingdom and leaves it to his son Charles who later changes his name to Charlemagne • 6’4”, heavy set, blue eyes, with a flowing mustache • The Carolingian Empire under Charlemagne • Most successful empire since the collapse of Rome • Charlemagne prided himself on his army, his power, and his conquest. In response to his great deeds, the Pope crowns Charlemagne emperor of the Empire. • Government • Limited the authority of Nobles and sent Counts to govern counties. • Cultural Revival • He opened a palace school and encouraged the monks to maintain what history was left from Rome. • Through his military conquest, he was vital to the spread of Christianity in Europe.
The Fall of the Charlemagne’s Empire • The empire lasted for about 200 yrs • When Charlemagne dies in 814, he leaves the empire to his son. Under his care the empire breaks out in Civil War. • The weak leader proves unable to lead his country through the civil war and the empire breaks up into three kingdoms • West, Central, and East Frankish Kingdoms
The Vikings Emerge • Vikings are also called Norsemen. • They are originally from Scandinavia and Norway. • Because of climate & geography, they sailed to modern Britain and France & eventually established colonies as far as Russia and the islands in the North Atlantic. • Eventually will settle in Iceland • Fighting breaks out and a band of Vikings settle Greenland • Eric the Red reached Greenland in 986. • His son Leif Ericson (banished from Greenland) reached the northeast coast of North America as early as the year 1000 (492 years before Columbus) • They wore metal helmets decorated with pictures of animals, and shirts made from iron rings covered by a large piece of cloth that protected them when they raided.
European Feudal Society King Lord/ Vassals Church Officials Knight Peasant/Serf
Social Classes • Those who fight – Nobles & Knights • Feudalism is based on mutual obligations. • A lord grants land called a Fief to a Vassal who is a Noble. • Knights serve the Vassal in exchange for land. In return, they offer their sword. • Those who pray – Monks & Nuns • Devoted to a life of prayer & seclusion from the secular world. • Those who work – Peasants & Serfs • Bound to their land for life…Never leave that order in their life.
Development of a Knight • Page • At age 7, the boy was sent to a castle of another lord. This is where he received his education which emphasized the military arts. • Squire • At age 14 the Page became a servant to the knight; taking care of his horse, cleaning his armor, and keeping his weapons. • Knight • Age 21, after proving to be a honorable Page & Squire, the lord would dub the boy into a Knight.
