sswh7 the student will analyze european medieval society with regard to culture, politics, society,...

SSWH7 The student will analyze European medieval society with regard to culture, politics, society, and

economics.

a. Explain the manorial system and feudalism; include the status of peasants and feudal

monarchies and the importance of Charlemagne.

Feudalism

Charlemagne600 & 700’s, Frankish kings lost their power to the

chief officers of the king’s household = mayor’s of the palace

Pepin assumed the kingshipPepin’s son became king after his death in 768 =

son was Charles the Great – CharlemagneCharlemagne = one of history’s great kings/

curious, driven, intelligent, strong warrior, devout Christian/ was illiterate, but strongly supported learning

Ruled from 768 to 814/ Expanded the Frankish kingdom into Carolingian empire = covered much of western & central Europe

CharlemagneCharlemagne established missi dominci

(messengers of the lord king) two men who were sent to make for sure the kings wishes were followed

800, he was crowned emperor of the Romans/ the coronation symbolized the coming together of the Roman, Christian, & Germanic elements that forged European civilization

Carolingian Renaissance was promoted by Charlemagne desire to promote learning

Benedictine monks played important role in revival of learning

Fall of Carolingian empireCharlemagne died in 814/ by 844 Carolingian

empire divided into 3 kingdoms by grandsonsMuslims invaded southern FranceMagyars settled on the plains of Hungary

Vikings were superb warriors & shipbuilders/ famed dragon ships carrying about 50 men could go shallow rivers to attack inland

9th century, Vikings settled in Europe911, Frankish king gave Vikings land of

Normandy

Vikings (Norsemen of Scandinavia) attacked the empire

Invaders posed a threat to the safety of the people due to decentralized government

People began to turn landed aristocrats or nobles for protection/ led to feudalism

Feudalism arose between 800-900/ similar system in Japan- Samurai

Vassalage = center of feudalism/ came from Germanic society where warriors swore oath to their leader

Vassal = man who served a lord militarily

Feudalism

Feudalism: MilitaryService for Land

Knights = heavily armored warriorsMale = armor made of metal links or platesFrankish army initially set up foot soldiers in mailHeavily armored knights dominated warfare for

over 500 yearsKnights had great prestige & formed much of

European aristocracyEarly Middle Ages (500-1000) wealth was based on

owning land/very little tradeNobles gave a piece of land to vassals in exchange

for fighting = fief

Feudalism

Vassals had political authority in their fief/in charge of keeping order

Feudalism became complicated = kings had vassals who had vassals

Feudal contract = unwritten rules that characterized feudalism/relationship between king & vassal/knights for about 40-60 days a year

Vassals were to advise the lord, financial obligations to the lord, knighting of his eldest son,

Lord supported the vassal with land grant & protection in military & court

Feudalism

Feudal Obligations

Vassals:Military service for 40-60 days.Homage.Serve on the lord’s court.Gifts for weddings and knighthoods.Ransom.

Lords:Protection.Justice.Wardship – oversee personal affairs and family if vassal dies in service.

Castles = permanent residences & fortresses/#’s increased in high middle ages(1000-1300)

Middle Ages = nobles dominated European society/ main concern was warfare

Nobles = kings, dukes, counts, barons, bishops, archbishops

Knighthood = united lords & knights in aristocracyKnights = trained as warriors/ no adult

responsibilityYoung knights held tournaments to show their

skills/ joust became main attraction

Feudalism

11th & 12th century, under influence of Church- chivalry became important to knights

Chivalry = civilized behavior, knights were to defend the church & defenseless people, treat captives as honored guests, fight for glory not rewards

Women could own property, but were under control of men/ first their fathers, then their husbands

Lady of the castle in charge of household & estateEleanor of Aquitane = married to king Louis VII of

France & Henry II of England/ 2 children became kings of England

Feudalism