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The Middle Ages. End of an Empire?. Why are they the dark ages? - The collapse of trade and towns, kind of - Loss of literacy and a common language - Development of Germanic kingdoms. The Barbarian Kingdoms c. 500 ce. The Church extends it’s power. Used Church revenues to: Raise armies
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End of an Empire? • Why are they the dark ages? - The collapse of trade and towns, kind of - Loss of literacy and a common language - Development of Germanic kingdoms
The Church extends it’s power • Used Church revenues to: • Raise armies • Repair roads • Care for the poor • Evangelized The Church
Strengthening of Papal Power • St. Benedict sets rules for monasteries • Once a monk enters a monastery, he is to remain there for life • Daily life should follow a strict schedule, pray 8 times per day • Seven hours a day dedicated to manual labor • 2 hours per day devoted to reading • 2 meals per day, wine ok, but no red meat
Monty Python: The beginning of Witch Village http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp_l5ntikaU
Feudalism the basis of governance • A political and military system based on holding of land: the control of the land was the key to the system
Monty Python Constitutional Peasants
The Manor System • The economic engine behind Feudalism • A small estate from which a lord’s family gained it’s livelihood • Self-sufficient • Serfs • Free peasants
Chivalry • From French word Cheval (horse) and Chevalier (horse-riding lord) • Aid the poor and help the weak • Lords fight bravely in the defense of three masters: • Earthly feudal lord • Heavenly Lord • Chosen lady
Monty Python The Black Knight http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhRUe-gz690
Romantic Love • Under the code of chivalry, a knight’s duty to his lady becomes equally important as to his duty to his lord • Marriage is to advance status, usually arranged • No sex in romantic love
Monty Python The tale of Sir Lancelot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZbG7iwRh34