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The Middle Ages

The Middle Ages. 1066-1485. William the Conqueror. From Normandy in France Killed King Harold (in Hastings) King Harold was the last of the Anglo-Saxon kings This began the Norman Conquest (culture) Affected the development of English history, character, and language. William’s Personality.

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The Middle Ages

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  1. The Middle Ages 1066-1485

  2. William the Conqueror • From Normandy in France • Killed King Harold (in Hastings) • King Harold was the last of the Anglo-Saxon kings • This began the Norman Conquest (culture) • Affected the development of English history, character, and language

  3. William’s Personality • Illegitimate son of Duke of Normandy • William said the throne was promised to him, so he took it • He was efficient and ruthless as a soldier • He did not want to eliminate the Anglo-Saxons, only rule them • He was of Viking origin • Defended his mother to townspeople by having their hands and feet cut off • Died from complications when he fell off a horse

  4. Norman Culture/William’s Accomplishments • Culture: • Emphasis on law and order • Administrative • Artistic tendencies • Democratic tendencies • Accomplishments: • William created the Domesday Book • Allowed people to be taxed • Buildings, cattle, land, etc. • Language and social social system in England

  5. Feudalism • Caste system, property system, military system, system of social behavior • Based in religion • Divine Right • God is most powerful • King is second to God • Classes are created • Weak rulers caused breakdowns in the system

  6. Knights • Boys were trained to become warriors • They had a military obligation to their lord • Often trained in other houses besides their own • “Sir” • Based on Feudal ideal of loyalty • Followed chivalry: A gentleman’s code of conduct

  7. Women • Peasant: • Childbearing • House work • Hard Field Work • Upper Class: • Childbearing • Household supervision • All women were subservient to all men • No military or land-owning ability = no power

  8. Courtly Love • Non-Sexual • Examples: • Honor lady in battle by wearing her colors • Glorify her with words or poetry • Gain inspiration from her • *Different from physical love; may occur between a knight and a woman who is married to someone else

  9. Evolution of Cities • People began living closely in towns and cities • The merchant class had its own tastes and its own money • People were more free and not restricted by roles like knights/chivalry • More art and more travelers emerged • Social classes became more evident • Low • Middle • Upper

  10. The Crusades • Christians vs. Muslims • Lasted three centuries: 11th, 12th, and 13th ; ended in 14th century • Wars that began shortly after the Norman Conquest • Prize: Jerusalem and the Holy Land

  11. St. Thomas a` Beckett • “holy blissful martyr” • Pilgrimage to Canterbury after his death • Archbishop of Canterbury or Head of the Church of England • St. Thomas was killed after knights misunderstood King Henry • Church: Very popular; high on the social scale. • Ecclesiastical (religious) jobs were second to Noble

  12. Languages • Church: Latin • Middle-class: Middle English (The language of The Canterbury Tales) • Upper-class/Educated people: French and Latin

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